FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT! Wait, am I back in middle school? And here I thought I was acting all grown up by posting on a vacuum discussion board (as in signs you've firmly an adult).
Anyhoo, I am fairly certain the Kirby is my machine. I would still like to know from MOLE about what type of repairs he sees in for Kirby, but barring that information I don't need any additional information about the Oreck or, god forbid I entertain the notion of buying another one, a Hoover.
Thank you all for the helpful information!