I have been using a Brother XL-3100 since I first started sewing Elizabethan (and E-ish) stuff around 9 years ago.
It has 12 stitches, and a 4-step buttonholer.
I mostly use the straight and zig-zag, and have only rarely used any of the other stitches. I learned after a few outfits that I was supposed to clean out and oil the innards every 8 hours of use or so (oops!) and as long as I do that it's great.
It only broke down once, when somebody else was using it and tried to make it go through some really thick layers without adjusting the tension, and it had to have the gears realigned for about $100.
Ironically, similar models are going now for less than $100.
I sometimes wish it had a 1-step buttonholer, since the 4-step is just enough of a hassle to get right that I'm too impatient and do them by hand instead.
I've been in business with this machine before, sewing full-time. It sews heavy stuff fine if the tension is adjusted properly, same for fine stuff.
I would want another machine if it were a treadle or an industrial to do leather, but for everything else I like my low-mid end Brother.

I have a computerized Janome (also known as New Home) that was closer to a high end, but I got it used (about a year old), so it was a lot cheaper. It has a variety of stitches, and one hole buttonholes of various sorts. I love the machine, and only needed minor tuneup after 2 years of heavy use. I do everything from light silks to heavy cotton velvets. BTW, my Mom had a New Home that is older than I am. I still have it and it still works like a champ. It is my backup.

I use Juki industrial straight stitch and overlocki for most of my work because they will sew through a pile of two-by-fours if I ask them to. The straight stitch has only a varying stitch length and revers and does nothing else...but those things it does marvellously. It's from the '70s and I got it used for $300 off of Craigslist. Couldn't be happier. That said, both Jukis are table-bound and you might not have that kind of room plus you might want more than the basics.
My only other machine is a Pfaff 7550 which was their top-of-the-line machine in 1995. I, too, thought I'd never use the embroidery (and in truth have not used the programming capabilities), but I have used the monograms and a couple of the edging embroidery stitches. It also has a variety of buttonholes. The best features are the needle-down function and the attached needle-threader. Not sure how common those things are in other machines, but I'd pay the price again for just those two things. It has difficulty with a ton of layers (i.e. super thick stuff), so I really only use it to create buttonholes, monograms etc. Had a Brother; never used it; got rid of it.

I use a Kemore I bought about five years ago after the one I inherited from my husband's aunt gave up the ghost (old, green beastie). It's got a four step buttonholer, and a selection of stitches. No computer, no embroidery, but a good little machine.

Which reminds me, I need to get it into the shop for a deep cleaning and possible tune up. I broke a few needles during the sewing for RPFS 2009.

It sounds to me like what you need is not so much a Honda or Ford as a Clydesdale or John Deere... a work horse or tractor that can pull its weight for the long-haul. If you don't care about the embroidery stitches, why not check into a professional machine? They can be bought used for half of what they sold for new. And what's more they can be repaired when they break rather than having to buy a new one because the manufacturer no longer makes parts after five years...

Just a thought. I have friend who has one. You could sew the roof on your house with the darn thing and have it come back for more...

I'd recommend another old Singer or Kenmore, honestly, but even older than the one you have. Haunt thrift stores for one made in the 1970's or earlier. My old Singer performs better than my (admittedly cheap) Brother, and it was built in 1948. It's a bonus that it's also pretty enough to leave open all the time.

The best work-horse modern machine I had was a White Blue Jeans machine. It's specifically designed to run through denim and heavy fabrics. Just goes forward, back & zigzag. Perfect for Elizabethan. :-)

Mine was stolen by an unscrupulous roomate. I now have my Grandma's old Adler Belvedere and that thing weighs more than my car. But it will sew trhough anything. *grin*

OK, so today I got a Singer cg-590 (commercial-grade) at Joann's for 1/2 off the regular price. I liked it because it is very similar to the one I have been using (well, a little snazzier) and appears to be sturdily made. There's a one-year guarantee, so I can try it out and take it back if I don't like it.