When you consider a lathe is just there to spin a piece of wood while you poke sharp things at it there are many permutations available and I'm not sure there is one machine I would call a dream lathe. Some lathes have useful features which I think are useful and some have negative aspects I would rather avoid!
If I was buying a lathe this is what I would want it to have -
Large capacity in diameter and length
Adequate power from the motor
Minimum footprint to achieve the above
Electronic variable speed
Outboard turning capability
Precise and consistent headstock / tailstock alignment
Vibration damping or at least enough mass for it not to be a problem
Common spindle thread
Hollow spindle and quill
Zero play wear free bearings
Minimal maintenance
Durable finish
Easily adjustable height
Multiple indexing ranges
What I would avoid -
Bespoke / complex electronics which may not be supported in the future.
Useless gimmicks
Mechanical variable speed
Weak quill extension/retraction
As you can see I don't want much!