Hello JimB:
 
I agree.  The CR survey counts a vacuum service check (other than a belt replacement) as a repair and "dings" reliability.  This is the subject (vacuum service and maintenance) of a thread on the Forum.  I responded to Mark with some very similar comments as yours.  A fine example is Oreck which provides free annual tune ups with the purchase of selected models.  CR counts these visits as repairs and "dings" Oreck's reliability.  And consumers are more likely to take an Oreck in for free annual service than a RICCAR/Simplicity for annual/biannual service with a fee.  
 
AND.....the reason I add this caveat to MY comments about CR ratings, rankings and recommendations: CR is a guide not the gospel.  It's a starting place for vacuum shoppers not the final destination.  Like air watts and constant suction for vacuum performance.  "It's just one piece of the puzzle" as you like to say.  And one element of vacuum performance as I've said for the last 5 years on the Forum.
 
I prefer Which? reliabilty data over CR for vacuums (I posted the Web site for the Which? data on the Forum on several occasions).  Why do I prefer Which? over CR? Which? categorizes and counts the number of vacuum repairs needed (not service check ups).  This method of reporting reliability data makes a distinction between a routine vacuum service and a needed repair to correct the vacuum's operation and/or performance.  
 
Having said all this, my point in the post is to reiterate that the EUREKA Boss Smart Vac BAGGED upright is worth a serious look by vacuum buyers who shop at the big box retailers.  To CR's credit, the Eureka Boss Smart Vac is consistently rated a CR Best Buy every year.  And all the big box retailers carry and sell this model for $149 (before sales and discounts).  It has proven performance, reliability and a great price.
 
This is ALSO the point I made on this thread awhile back.  The May 2007 CR data reaffirms my point and gave me an excellent reason to post it here.
 
Carmine D.