I also have been asking alot of Questions about the different sewing machines on this forum. I received Great Advice from people that have been in this business and Know these machines.
I too, could go get a machine that would only cost me $800. and do some jobs, but .. not the thick leather that your looking to sew.
Every Brick and Mortar Store doesn't have the same service, go by the Reputation of the people that have worked with leather for years that know these machines and know who has the Service after the sale and who doesn't.
I bought a $6000. Embroidery machine from a local store and they were the nicest people I could have bought from, I bought there to support the local retailer.Did they know their machine, NO, I ended up teaching them, great for them but a long learning process for me and one which you shouldn't have to go through after investing $6000.plus tax for a machine.
T o sew what your looking to sew, you need a cylinder machine. If you believe you can get away with purchasing the $800 machine, take your bag or whatever is the thickest leather you will be looking to sew into the store and try it out and see how thick of leather this machine will sew, if it suits you, buy it.