I haven't read all these reviews... but i get the gist of what the debate is... I have had Technics since 1994. No problems. The best for me... Even though I am more sided to the Digital Media these days! Had enough of slugging around Huge KG's of Plastic plates :( and spending an average of 8 euro per record!
Anyway, I wanted to add, that the Technics 1200 turntable STILL sits in the London Design Museum today! It is categorised as being one of the TOP 100 MOST successful pieces of consumer electronic gear manufactured over the last 50 years.... Almost faultless.... Not bad for a design in the 1970's.
There hasn't been much to really improve...... :)