I always Background as the last step.
Scrol down to Resources and check out the Videos done by Standing Bear, Good info for you.
The book "Craftool Tech Tips".... will be very benifical to you.
at Tandys.........
I know what you are saying.But .....it's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it....
go for the 16" throat... sooner or later the 16" will come in handy.
Yes i have had the same problem sewing certain items with my Boss also.