Hello all: I had just composed a lengthy update about my machine purchase. However, it completely disappeared and did not post! Currently I am madder than a wet hen, but wanted to let you know that I purchased a Juki DX-2000 QVP after testing one yesterday. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences with the machine models that were on my list. I was impressed with this machine and believe I will be very happy with it.
The dealer offered $200 off an open-box machine (fully warrantied) which brought the price so close to the F600 that I was able to easily decide on the 2000 QVP. As much as I would have liked to have the Janome 6600 or Horizon 8200, they were too far out of my budget range. (As an aside: if anyone is interested in the 8200, I did find a nice deal on Mr. Vac and Mrs. Sew with a VIP Package worth over $200 in accessories - and the machine - offered for $1,999.)