Just to be a bit clearer. I think it's what I call the 'bulkhead' bit not being as shaped therefore sort of obscuring the screw that you tighten to keep the needle in place. It may be that the height is the issue but I don't want to change my table. I'm 5'1" maybe that makes a difference, although my US friend is the same height and no issues. I think you'd have to sit down in front of it to see how you feel. Maybe your friend would oblige?
I'd recommend Janome machines, I've had 3 (I replaced one after 20 years with another identical one) in 45 years, so I think this is just a personal dislike of computerised machines. I didn't like that if I was halfway through something and had made an adjustment to setting, which we all do, when I switched the power off until next time the settings all had to be reset. Mechanicals stay as they are.......
What kind of sewing are you going to do in the future?