You had a Janome that performed beautifully for 17 years, didn't you? That would tell me that they are pretty darn reliable machines. If it was me, I would look no further than Janome. They have all sizes, models, and prices. From the top of the line 15000 to the little Hello Kitty model. That said, my disclaimer is I am a Janome owner and have 3, the 15000, the 6600, and the 3160QDC. They each serve a purpose and would not give up any of them.
Seriously if you are looking for a mid range, check out the new 6700. I understand that it is an "upgrade" from the 6600 which I have owned for nearly 10 years. A complete workhorse, no problems, no breakdowns, no issues. Just regular cleaning and maintenance.
The 6600 is still available and if you do a search on it, you will find hundreds if not thousands of rave reviews.
Wishing you much fun in your search for a new machine. Like you, I was amazed at all the capabilities of machines these days.