1. The cricket sound is gone after my dealer replaced the circuit board for me.
2. My dealer told me the reason of the wide slot openings on the needle plate: they are designed for side-way motions in B780 (710 & 750 do not have that function). Ok... I am optimistic that Bernina will supply us with normal needle plates later.
3. The just-launched firmware update will solve the securing stitch issue. Great! I am waiting for that update to become available on the Bernina website so I can "update" my sewing "computer".
4. Previously, my machine occasionally has wonky stitch issues. I feared that it was a machine flaw. Today I made up my mind and played with the top thread and bobbin thread tension. I found the sweet spot for my favourite piecing thread: Aurifil 50/2. With bobbin tension set at 1 o'clock, top thread tension at 4.5, and with a size 75 quilting needle stitching at 1.8mm, my 710 produces almost flawless stitches on quilting cotton. So happy!