I was just looking online at machines, and I have the same issue. I want to just scream, "What the heck is the price???" Why the secretiveness? We all know they are ridiculously expensive!!
I bought my HQ16 for $2,500 on Craigslist. NO bells or whistles but I LOVE it. I am mainly a charity quilter so had no desire or $$ for a more expensive one.