I guess your the only person that can really decide if the extra money is worth 11" of harp space.
BTW - my dealer offers the 7700 for $1999 AND includes the table, a wheel cart for the machine, and 12 spools of Madera thread. It's possible they even sweetened the deal a little more after the new Janome came out, I haven't looked (lest I be too tempted!).