I bought my Janome 6234XL 14 years ago, and it has been very good, still working well, I've only changed the blade once. I have one problem that I think is insurmountable, but I too am going to have a look at the NEC.
As my arthritis worsens, my foot is less responsive than I would like, so I have to be very careful with the pedal.
My main sewing machine (which I got 18 months ago and adore) is the Janome Atelier 7. You can vary the speed, and then push a button, you don't need a foot control (there is an optional one if wanted)
I would love an overlocker with that feature, but have not found one yet. There is an attachment you can buy that fits some machines to convert them, but it doesn't seem to fit any overlockers.