MD,
I know what you mean by people automatically assuming a more expensive detector equal more success. I don't necessarily agree with that idea. However, I do prefer the extra options I am given with the M6. That's pretty much what I meant.
I have dug old coins above the four-inch mark, but that's the minority. Most older coins out in the open are deeper than that, at least in the area I'm in. And keep in mind, there's a lot of competition here in the area, so having more options helps me. I find that in wooded areas, many coins tend to not sink as fast. I've watches as seated coins, Barbers, and Indian heads were pulled from a shallow hole in the woods. TreasureFiend got a '35 buffalo nickel practically on the surface there. Those are coins my Ace can pick up. The Ace, however, does NOT give me a good repeatable signal past 4-5 inches on large coins. I could dig every non-repeatable, broken, one-way signal and for for every silver dime I find, I'll dig 3 pounds of foil and pulltabs and nails. To me, it's not worth it.
The M6 has given me the opportunity to find deeper coins easily because I get good, repeatable signals. I dug an old copper button the other day at about 8-9 inches. It rang up as a penny, of course, because of its size and composition. It is something I would have never found with the Ace (with standard coil). TreasureFiend would have found it because he has a big coil on his Ace.
I am aware of many good areas to hunt and I do frequent them. I'm currently hunting one of the most productive places in the area, with a great group of guys, and we've all found awesome things there, using detectors ranging from an Ace 250 w/ standard coil, to DFXs and Minelabs SEs. I realize that in the end, it's the research and knowledge of history that can determine one's success in this hobby. But, having a great place to hunt, and using a machine that's depth-challenged, can be a little frustrating. You know? I've been followed by Minelab guys who have, literally, pulled 10-15 mercury dimes on my trail (when using the Ace). The Ace wouldn't even hiccup at a dime 12-15 inches down.
Thank you for the good wishes, I am in fact very happy with my M6 and plan on pulling a lot more older coins out of the ground with it. It is an awesome metal detector, I'd recommend it to anyone who seeks a somewhat more advanced detector, but doesn't have a ton of cash.
Joe