Plastic? the only thing plastic on my 6600 is the extended table i got with it..it is heavy, 25 pounds i think, not something you want to drag to class with you at all. I got the janome jem platinum, weighs 10/11 pounds..it is a work horse also.
here are some older reviews.
http://artisanssquare.com/sg/index.php/topic,3453.0.html
I would say the big difference in this machine and say a bernia,or phaff (although i am not sure of this)..
is it does not have a free arm. and that was not a draw back or issue for me. Cost was a concern for me..i was not going to plunk down $3000.00+ for a sewing machine. if i was to win an expensive machine, i would sell it and get a
janome 1600 lol! I think most folks are brand loyal. I have a juki 98Q and i love her too.She is one tough machine...but she is on a frame.
check out message boards for the different machines out there also..get a feel for what people say about them ,that are owners. janome has one for 6500/6600 owners.
www.patternreview.com
has a sewing machine review page.
so nice to not be in a hurry too,i didn't have any machine,never sewed before i started quilting..! i spent about 3 weeks looking and test driving! my sew and vac dealer was the big deciding factor in the end..they sell all the different machines..Good Luck! and keep us posted!