I started with a B-Line Studio frame and an Elna 7200 Quilters Dream Pro (very similar to a Janome mc6500p) domestic machine. I used that setup for 5 years before getting a midarm (Voyager) and ProFlex frame.
Many people just don't like frame quilting or are too intimidated to really use it. Many don't have room for a frame large enough to load a bed size quilt on. Some think that they want an easy to store frame and they'll just take down and set it up all the time but to really become comfortable with machine quilting on a frame--it needs to be setup all the time and you MUST practice, practice, practice. Your first 10 (yes, I meant 10) quilts are not going to be pretty but if you consistently practice, each one will be better than the one before.
With that said, watch the different yahoo groups, craigslist & ebay for a used setup. Ask around your neighborhood or put a want ad in the local paper. Many, many people have them hidden away.