La Tuni - I'm so sorry about your experience - No repair man/person should return your machine to you in WORSE condition than when you dropped it off! If they are a licensed Pfaff repair person, then complain to Pfaff! They have all their repair people go through classes - its a big deal to be able to work on Pfaff machines! If they aren't licensed for Pfaff, I still would complain to the owner, the BBB, SOMEONE. They shouldn't treat people that way.
I had a shop in Portland (one I no longer frequent) try to return my machine dirty once. They tilted my machine back onto an oily rag and actually stained the machine. When I went to get it, I got oil all over myself and ruined a coat. I complained loudly and they did cover the cleaning cost, but as I said earlier, I NEVER went there again.
I have a back-up machine - a Viking, that I use for general sewing when my Pfaff is in the shop. I actually plan to take my machine into the shop when I'm gone for a week or so or not using it - like during canning season or during vacation. I always call ahead to check their schedule and they are more than happy to work me in. I've also worked really hard to maintain a good relationship with the mechanics, they are invaluable.
Have you tried contacting Janome or searching for an instruction book online? Often, you can have one e-mailed to you or buy one used on eBay for fractions of the cost.
Regarding people's luck with Singers - I learned on a Singer Golden touch-n-sew, it was the best in its day and my mom used the life out of it. She also got the cabinet for it because it actually fit her frame - she is petite. I also watched it fall into a state of disrepair from being 'rode hard and put away wet'. So much depends on how you treat your machine and the reliability of your mechanic....I am happy for those of you who have had the same machine for 50 years - what a a blessing! I pray my Pfaff will last that long....