Mine have a flat side. Just remember the "dent" where the eye of the needle is goes to the right not the back.

I have the Janome 1600P-DBX and the feed dogs do not drop on it. I had to purchase a heavy duty plate (which is really just thicker than a normal plate) that takes the feed dogs out of play.

Is your 'stitch in the ditch' foot being used w/free motion on a frame?

I agree 100%. I have sewn on Janome for years and have never had a problem with any of them.
Love my 1600p DBX- if there's a thread problem,probably using wrong/cheap/old thread and tension is probably set wrong (easy to adjust).
Also have Janome 6260 for fancy stitches; Janome low end for my grandkids to work on when they visit; and a Janome embroidery machine.
Don't discount the 1600 series, they are really great.

I agree 100%. I have sewn on Janome for years and have never had a problem with any of them.
Love my 1600p DBX- if there's a thread problem,probably using wrong/cheap/old thread and tension is probably set wrong (easy to adjust).
Also have Janome 6260 for fancy stitches; Janome low end for my grandkids to work on when they visit; and a Janome embroidery machine.
Don't discount the 1600 series, they are really great.