Larry,
I do not play as well as you and many other but I think I have a pretty good handle on how the 7000 works. I have had my board since November and a neighbor friend has had his since December. Neither of us has had one problem with the 7000 or communication with the computer. I think I can also speak for member Marilyn as she lives close by, purchased from the same dealer and I have not heard of any problems.
Our dealer states the only problems his customers have had were not understnding how the 7000 works. No returns for faulty boards.
I think Rikki is correct. It is lack of understanding how the 7000 works and not faults of the 7000.
Alec's manuals have made the big difference in my learning the 6 and 7000. With out them I to may be blaming the board.
With your playing and sequencing ability, you desearve the best.
If the pocket book can stand it.......buy it.
cheers,
Fran in Florida