Hi Scott,
I would be incredulous if 5000 format did not load in the 7000. I have no inside knowledge, but just looking at the history it would seem virtually certain. 5000 styles sound very good on the 6/65 and were a relative breakthrough in the history of the styles over time so we shall have to see, but based on the history there is no basis for the assumption that it will not be possible.
I was told by EMC the 7000 would have the updated style converter disk supplied which now includes Yamaha along with a few others.

As to not knowing if the 7000 is real or not, it certainly is real as many have seen and heard it. Whether it is wise to buy sight unseen, sound unheard, and feel unfelt is quite another matter... However if you had 2000, 3000, 5000, 6000, 6500 etc and were happy with them it might be a pretty safe bet. Not for everyone, but live and let live...

Market share and demographics will vary around the world and around the country. Technics owners tend to be quite loyal to their machines, I suppose because they like them... no-one forces them to buy.

My experience of the last few launches is the new model soon sold out and was in short supply. I gave back my first two 6500s because other customers wanted one at any price. Each to his own... if people enjoy them and get a buzz out of playing, that's what it's all about.