I am a new sewer and have the Passport -and I really like it. The IDT is wonderful. Made a rag quilt earlier this year and it was no problem sewing through all the layers of flannel. This is my first machine so I don't have anything to compare it to. I think mine was around $699 if I remember right. It's great for taking to classes at my local quilt shop because it only weighs about 15 pounds.
I haven't tried to do any FMQ on it-but there is a special foot you can purchase that will allow you to do that.
Hope this info helps with your decision.