Newbie looking to benefit from the experience of others

[JAZZCNC]

Bad example. 80% of the people will probably go for the cheaper, "professionally built" machine rather than the home-grown. Human nature.

Not my experience dealing with plenty people who have DIY built and sold.
Like your self, there are plenty of people who have done their research and know what to avoid but don't have the means to build but can see good machine when appears. They just don't have the funds to buy better professionally built machines which for obvious reasons cost much more money.