To Treadle or Not to Treadle?

In a previous post, I told you all about the machine that I can borrow from the school where my husband is teaching at, right? I was told, "it is in a closet." Well, apparently "closet" actually translates to a "cabinet", in this instance. I was prepared for some 1970's or 80's machine covered with dust languishing in the back of a closet, but instead what I was brought to was a 1930's (possibly younger/older?) Singer (prounced Sin-jer) treadle machine. Imagine my surprise, especially with these images so fresh in my mind.

Now, here I am at a dilemma. It is going to be a "borrowed" machine, and keep in mind I have never worked with a treadle before. I was told that I could try it out before they moved it to our apartment (which they didn't seem too excited about), but I have some questions for those who are treadle-adept:

1. The owner made it sound like I can only practice at the school, which gives me a small window. Can one quickly get a feel of the treadle in a short amount of time (say a ten to fifteen minute trial), at least enough to know I am going to like using it? Or is that insane? Will this take months to get used to?
2. As I said before this is "borrowed", so how likely are things to go wrong? All I can imagine is me somehow breaking the needle and/or belt, and are these things fixable by me? And is that the worst case scenario?
3. I know there are those out there that love their treadles...what is it that makes it so mesmerizing?
4. My husband has still offered to buy a new machine for me, should I just take that and leave the treadle back in it's "closet"?
5. Am I over analyzing a sewing machine????  :)

So, if you have a moment, let me know your thoughts, if any.