Thanks for all the info - I've put it all together and have decided to proceed but would like to try the machine before I buy - not unreasonable given its price I reckon? So, sit down have a cup of tea and here is the next chapter.
I saw that Mondial Tissus in Perpignan has the machine in the 610 and 620 versions ( price was wrong as they had got the wrong labels on the sehlf - is this an indication of anything?) Yesterday we popped in to Perpignan for something so I went in and asked if I could try the two machines to compare. Here is the conversation:
Me: I'm considering buying one of these machines but I'd like to see how fast they go and how stable they are before I decide, so can I make a trial appointment?
Them: You can do a sewing course.
Me: I can manage the sewing, thank you, but I need to try the machine first before I buy.
Them: Yes, do a course and you can use the machines we provide.
Me: Do you refund the course price against a purchase then?
Them: No.
Me: So you are asking me to spend money that is not deductable to try a 610 or a 620?
Them: We don't use those in the courses, they are too expensive for beginners.
Me: I'm not a beginner but I'm not prepared to spend over 1000 euros on something I've not trialled.
Them: We don't know you're not a beginner.
Me: I'm telling you I'm not. So can I try the machine I want before I buy?
Them: No, if we did it for one customer they'd all want to do it.
Me: Strange, I thought that was what sewing machine shops did?? Tell you what, you keep your machines safe and sound, I'll go somewhere else.
Flounces off.......
Some time later thanks to Mr Google I found a sewing machine sweetie shop ( a whole wall of different makes and models - overlockers, coverstitchers, embroidery machines, Cricuts) a few tram stops away from where we will be staying in Montpellier over the weekend. Contacted them and guess what? I can try whatever I like and they have all the major brands, including industrials and all the pretty shiny things, and they do servicing on the spot as well. Watch this space.