It's not worth worrying about the 6hr mode as it's basically a low-res artifact-ridden proposition anyway... I defy anyone to come up with a reason why such a mode would be desirable- I understand the convenience of having something on disc, but when the quality is noticeably worse than VHS it's no good for archiving IMO. If recording time is the main concern, then longer durations (and better results) can be attained with a long-play S-VHS deck (hell, even a regular VHS deck!).
Anyway (and moaning aside!), I'm very happy with mine overall- not least because of the sheer compatibility of the +R/RW standard. I've finalised numerous DVD+R's and have lent them out to a large variety of people... The only machines that wouldn't play them were an old LG and the even older Wharfie 750 (and even then I think it was the reflective media causing problems rather than the content). In all, 7 out of 9 machines played the discs without incident.
Getting back to picture quality/recording times though, I have to admit that I was slightly disappointed by the lack of flexibility. Of course, the HQ and SP/SP+ modes are very good indeed (HQ is fantastic), but when you consider that the highest setting only allows 60 minutes of recording, the practical uses seem limited. I think most owners exclusively use the SP/SP+ modes (SP+ allows 2hrs 30mins) as it's a sensible compromise of quality and length. I'm certainly happy using these modes myself as the quality is good enough for any available input and (more importantly) good enough to keep indefinitely. I've transferred most of my video collection using the SP mode and I'm more than happy with the results.
One other thing... I do feel obliged to warn potential buyers about the unreliability of the format... I wouldn't want to put anyone off exactly, but a recordable DVD unit isn't a replacement for a Video recorder (not right now anyway). I've had all kinds of error messages and teething troubles, which, although not unusual for a new format (and never anything major), is totally inexcusable when timer-programmed shows aren't recorded!. I've been let down on several occasions by my machine and that's why I now routinely set the timer for the DVD and VCR at the same time (so I have the video as a back-up system). BTW- it's not the videoplus system that fails on the decks, or any kind of timer failing, it's always because of 'disc errors' or data problems. For example, if the recorder senses a problem with the disc (while recording the first show in the timer line-up), it might not even attempt to record the rest!.
So, although it's impressive in most respects (and great for showing off!), I'd only recommend buying one to use alongside a video recorder.