I bought my Innova from Val at Virginia Longarm and I am in love with my 26" with AutoPilot and Lightning Stitch. I have a 12 foot frame. I have had my machine for a little over a year. While I like to do free motion quilting, I find that my autopilot is super for pantos and I love to be able to design my custom quilting "on screen" before I start quilting. I "audition" designs and try out different looks so I get the best quilting on my quilts. Auto pilot has a learning curve but I don't think its steep. You just have to spend some time playing and being comfortable with it. Every time I do another quilt I learn something. I am a hobbyist and do not quilt for others so I get to play without worry. Innova is the best machine as far as I am concerned. Michael is absolutely super to deal with -- no problem is too small or too big -- and he always either answers the phone (any time -- day or night) or gets back to me in minutes. I had another machine (actually two) before I bought my innova and I could not be happier now. Hope you end up with an Innova!