Hi
I think your LQS where you bought your Espire sold you a machine that needed work, to put it nicely. I have a Symphony (no Symphony embroiders) and absolutely love it! I've had it for two years and it sews through anything and does it beautifully! Not one issue with it, and if there was one my dealer would be sure it was resolved!
I don't know about a comparable Janome, just felt bad your should be wonderful machine isn't!
Bev