In total agreement. Seeing as you're finding lots of machines in your budget with the basic features you want I suggest letting two other things lead you to a decision - the feel of sewing on the machine and the dealer. Test drive the models you are interested in. Each machine has it's own feel and way of behaving while sewing. Some will feel better to you than others. You trying them out is the only way to know. The dealer should provide fabric samples for you to use. If you know you'll be doing a lot of one type of sewing, in this case, quilting, take along some sqaures sandwiched with batting and quilt in the store. The other consideration is the dealer itself. You want to buy from a good one, even if it means taking a second choice machine. Ask what support comes with your machine. At the very least, you should get some classes on using it. Ask about servicing, do they offer phone help, what sort of other classes are available to expand you skills, what is their trade in policy if some point in the future you decide to upgrade again, etc. If you happen to run into a problem, the dealer can make or break your experience. If you know other sewers in the area, see what expereince they've had at the verious dealers.
And all that being said, I'm a die-hard Bernina girl.
They make quality machines and offer some of the best support in the industry. I had my first for 18 years without one problem. And just got a new dream machine which I'm in love with.
Most of all - congraulations on getting a new machine (soon)! And have lots of fun using it.
Update - I got my machine!!!! - Quilters - Help! Which machine would you get?
