Hi Scott
Just in case the picture disappears again I've saved it, enlarged it and set it as my wallpaper!
I agree with your concerns about the flip top. Surely it must continue back to a lower position. Also the one big moveable part is a problem especially for a gigging musician like yourself. If technics made the plastic shell a bit stronger it would help but if it's like previous models then the flip top certainly appears a little over-exposed and susceptible to accidents.
The button layout, apart from the pads, lcd screen and wheel all seem very different from the 6000. Have they discarded the tracker ball (or whatever it's called)....or is it over on the right somewhere? INTERESTING!
Peter