It makes sense, but I am a purist and my curse is that everything should be the way the original manufacturer intended. Thus, I am replacing the foreign part. (you know what I mean) I cannot fathom not being able to use the machine with factory parts. From what I know, these machines were engineered to last a very, very long time. As soon as I get the replacement tension assembly, I will hopefully report back with good news.
I may have been able to technically sew, but the thread on the bottom was so loose that I could just pull it right out in a straight line.