Neece: thanks for the pep talk. I've been round and round with the store where I bought it and also reported them to Janome. They said they would get in touch with the local representative. I never heard a thing from that person, if they exist at all.
I've only heard good things about Bernina. And more importantly there is a fabulous LQS close by that carries them. So in 7 minutes when the store opens I'm going to call and ask if they will take it as a trade in. Of course I can't tell them the problems I've been having with it or I won't get what it's worth.