I have the machine not very long, so I can not comment on their longevity.
So far I have but a positive experience with mechanical sewing machines (I have a Pfaff Select 4.0) and believe that they have less niggles than their electronic counterparts.
The threading of Bernette I find easy. As a Overlock mindestenz 2 strands needed and the stitch without the gripper would not come about, the manufacturers have no way to make it even easier.
The yarn paths are marked in color and it is every step clearly explained in the manual, also stretches the left workspace fold back, so you rankommt well to the gripper.
Even for beginners it is doable and with a little practice it's Ruck-Zuck.
Unfortunately, it is quite noisy, which does not bother me, but for some it bothers vllt noise sensitive neighbors.
In summary:
I would buy the machine again and again and can recommend every beginner and advanced, the issue is not too much money and a super Overlock want.