I am with you but one of the things you said was "what people think of these". Troubling comments using terms like "entry level detector", "cheap beginners", and such makes a person who owns one feel like a second class hobbyist. I really noticed these comments on another new machine by minelab Go Find series and because it was plastic it seemed like it was being put in a class with toys. This may be why many who enjoy these great little detectors are not so verbal about their adventures with these machines. Myself, I am proud to be able to own and use these type of machines. I also have more expensive units but I believe that the F44 and pro find 60 will hold their own against some detectors costing hundreds of dollars more. Time will tell. E92FF, I think that a F44 would be a great machine for you whether it is your first or 15th.