Robz, there's not too many sub $10,000 (even 20,000?) rigs that won't wobble when you bump them or adjust the focuser. That's why people like motorised focusers. Remember you're magnifying vibrations >100 times when viewing.
Your EQ6 will give you many years of enjoyment for visual and astrophotography, but you have to build the foundations wide and gradually build up experience and skill. If you just jump in the deep end with a big heavy long focal length scope you'll just topple over (figuratively) and get frustrated. You've got to learn polar alignment, balance, tracking and all sorts of other skills depending on what you do. Some nights its fun, other nights its easier to hit your head against a brick wall.
BTW, I personally have a relatively inexpensive rig - pissy 8" newt on the smaller HEQ5pro, and I find it exceptional value for money for visual (depending on seeing and eyepieces) AND photographic. It doesn't worry me if I have to wait a sec or two for a steady view, and I enjoy the look on some people's faces when they see the pics I can get from a $300 chinese OTA.
Have you looked through a 12" SCT versus other scopes? It really is a very large heavy scope. If you're going to go that big you really HAVE to know if your a visual or photographic person. I dont' think you'd find too many deep sky photographers using 12" SCTs. Planetary video or visual definitely.
One last thought - the scope you use and enjoy is the one that's not too much hassle to get out and up, then dismantle at 2am in the cold with minimal fuss. Sounds like it might be time to get out to a local meeting of like minds and discuss with people why they have the gear they have.
Good luck with it all,
Rob
