Makes sense that the motor housing might be cracked. I also copied and enlarged the pics but still couldn't get a clear image. there is some glare where the plug meets the machine. Those little screws look like they just hold the terminal cover on to the terminals. I think it must be on a bracket, as you first said, but who knows. I'll try to look around for pics of the Damascus or similar machines to see how they're rigged.
Why would they have to drill holes to run wires into the machine? As you said the lamp wire is external -- why wouldn't the motor & controller wires also be external?
It's fun to speculate, even if you don't get the machine. But all this talk makes me want it more!! I might email my friend and see what he's up to....