Lindaschipper, that you don't use all the features on your Janome MC6500 is likely premature! I have enjoyed mine for over 10 yr., a true workhorse. Never a problem. I started off using it in my drapery sewing shop ( mostly straight stitch and zigzag), then, after retirement , brought it home to use. When grandbabies were born, l made outfits, using those lovely stretch stitch features. When l decided to learn fmq quilting , l discovered it did that beautifully! Then, when l drifted into doing art quilts, found that the huge array of dec. stitches served me well as l embellished my work. No, l seldom use those " quilting stitches", but recenrly use one on a very narrow border...and discovered it looked so pretty...like embroidered ribbon! So, over the years, you WILL likely grow into your machine...and, fwy, the only plastic is parts of the housing...vertually everything inside is metal.