I basically just look for ones that catch my eye.  I'm not really 'on the search' for any particular machine (though I'd love to happen on one with Vogue typeface tucked onto a dusty antique mall shelf).  Other than that I look for cheap fixer uppers, either to fall in love with or to sell or give as gifts.

Well, I started out wanting ALL of them. You can learn a lot about how the different models perform by searching; I bought my Consul, for example, after reading an account or two of what a nice light touch they have. And they're not expensive. In the old days of course you would have tried out different machines, and even in the shop you'd be able to try a variety of things in your price range, etc... like buying a laptop now: we just possess a certain amount of lore, which is in the air round us and we have lots of people we can ask. We've all used several different kinds of computer keyboard, for example... For me, this 'silver bullet' question has always been about gaining experience, and as I have more machines, and as I've sold the ones I didn't get on with so well, I feel less and less tempted by eBay, for example. I've got a little collection, too, of machines I know I love, that don't work, that I need to sort out. 

For me the looks are important, just as the looks of anything are important; I'm sensitive to design and materials and tbh my taste in typewriters fits in perfectly with my taste in everything else: pretty much the mid-century, give or take. 

I'm also a writer, so even if I think a machine is beautiful, if I don't love typing on it it has to go. More or less. I sold my two-tone Alpina - I loved it, but it wasn't really ME, I just felt like it was somebody else's. So beautiful, and great to use, but not really mine, somehow. (& I got good money for it, which sugared the pill a bit!)

So no, I don't feel I'm chasing a silver bullet. I'd love a pica 3000 or Princess, but that's because I know I love them both and would use it. And I'd probably sell the elite ones that I have. 

Having said which... ;)

Hey, I think you all are confusing the metaphor of the Silver Bullet with the metaphor of the Holy Grail. They are very different metaphors and to mix them up is to be confusing to your readers.

I really don't think there is such a thing as a silver bullet -- every machine is a compromise in some respect.  The best you can do is recognize that there are some features you can live without, since they aren't necessary for your needs.  (Or you get a second machine that has the features you need from time to time. Now we're getting into slippery slope territory, though.)

sorry, I have seen silver bullet in some of the photography forums and there it referred to the camera/lens or combination of both that would give any photographer amazing photographic abilities with just a change of equipment.

I meant it in a similar sort of way as you and Michael described above.  But I think that Beak described my intention best.