Actually i have put off purchasing a machine as 1) I figured out what was the problem with my Quantum and 2) i really need to get rid of machines, not buy them (anyone else here?). The problem with the Quantum is that the pedal really has to be securely in the port - since i have started to pay attention to this, there has been nary a problem.
Does anyone have any info about the Singer Heavy Duty vs. the Pfaff Smarter series? The machines have the same stitches in the same places on the dials... I can well imagine two different plastic covers over the same chassis...