Modern Mechanical Sewing Machine for a First Timer

I see there was already a "First Sewing Machine" post just made two weeks ago, but I still have so many questions.

It seems as though I should be expecting one for Christmas and I'd like to make my decision before black Friday sales this upcoming week. I definitely wish I had more time to research but I just found out yesterday I should expect a sewing machine for Christmas :)

From what I have seen in these two threads: Sewing Machine Recommendation and Sewing machines - buying to last a life-time (preferably one that already has!)... the general consensus here is to get one made in the 60s or earlier.

Which I guess I could do. Shawn's comment here inspired me to check ebay and I saw some 401A and 403 sewing machines going for $100-$150 (plus $60 shipping! AH). I'm sure if I looked harder I could find one cheaper and perhaps local, but it'd surely take time. My mom (whom I live with) already has an old treadle which is not in working order at the moment. But since I have never machine sewn a thing in my life and only have hand sewn things for the first time in the past 3 years, starting off with ye ol' treadle intimidates me.

Someone had mentioned in these posts that you really want to make sure you get a sewing machine that isn't going to be giving you fits so you'll want to keep learning and expanding your skills, rather than quit in frustration because 'you can't do it' when in reality it's the machine's fault.
Because of this, the newer machines are appealing to me because of their apparent ease of use for beginners, so I'm leaning that way for while I'm just learning.
Does anyone know of any modern, mechanical machines that I could get for the purpose of leading a beginner to success?

Currently I have been researching Janome, Brother, Husqvarna (this model), and this particular Baby Lock. Looking for something around $150-$200 (hope I can get quality in that range... the Baby Lock I'm looking at is listed for $400 but on sale for $200)

I have seen talk about Brother and Baby Lock machines a lot of times being the same exact thing but... Brother is just cheaper. Maybe this is true since Baby Lock is obviously willing to sell their '$400' machine for 50% off. But I have concerns that Brother would just be one of those machines that leads to tangles and frustration, encouraging me to give up.

So, please give me some guidance as to which brand to go for.

Having used:
- an automatic sewing machine in school,
- an old electric one with "automatic" pattern (never used),
- another one that needs a new motor
- and a pure mechanical "Anker" sewing machine with zig-zag

I have to say that I prefer and recommend the last.
It has already lasted 50 years and there is no reason to assume it will stop working in the next 50 years.

And there is no risk of the machine suddenly starting and puncturing a finger while working on the needle.