Sewing Machine Advice

I don't really know where to turn or who exactly would have the right answer for me.  I'm not just a rag quilter anymore and while I'm not as incredibly awesome as some of the other quilters who blog, I am branching out and feeling comfortable with my t-shirt quilts and my little floral quilts and my baby scrap quilts.  So I am finally ready to call myself a quilter.

 For over 29 years I have been sewing on my old workhorse, amazing all-metal Sears Kenmore Ultra Stitch-12.  It's been remarkably reliable.  My repair man said never to part with this excellent machine but I think it's time to move it to the back of the table.

I'm looking for a quilter's sewing machine.  I've tried to google which machine would be best for what I do but it's so confusing.  I need advice from people with experience.  I've heard that Pfaff,  Janome, Bernina and Husqvarna were the machines I should look at.

I don't want all the bells and whistles but I'll take some.  I still just do straight seam quilting so I don't want anything complicated.  I don't think I want electronic/digital/computerized.  I want a good straight forward machine that will make quilting easier with consistently beautiful stitches.  Can anyone point me in the right direction based on personal experience?