My experience with them is limited to having watched/heard them cut. Personally, I don't like them as they're not rigid and make a heck of a racket when trying to make a decent cut. You stated "I don't need a brutally rigid machine" but can you name a machine that's less rigid than the Bridgeport? I don't think of Haas or Fadal as being rigid either.
If you're happy with how it cuts, that's what matters most. Not everyone needs a monster mold cutting machine with huge box ways and a 50 taper spindle. Only you can determine if the machine will do an satisfactory job for you and it sounds like you did just that. And the price seems pretty good also for a low usage machine which means it should be in good condition and give you long life.
You're correct that getting something into a garage is usually the most restricting factor in choosing a machine. I've got two Dynamechtronics machines in my garage and the Z axis servos had to be removed to get them in the door. Tthey're only 30 taper with 14" x 10" travels. But each weighs 4500lbs and has dovetail ways so they're remarkably rigid for their size. I'm able to make a living with them so far.
http://evlgt85.com/gallery/maschinen