FWIW, and not to confuse you, the older Imacon 343 must be somewhat cheaper than $5k - it was that new. It willdo up to 6x12 (maybe longer), and has the advantage of ease of use. Digital ICE is an add on piece of software for this, but without the glass holder, its loads easier to scan without debris. I have one, like it a lot. Terrible for slides, tho, as you have to remove them from the mount. But I've scanned 35 mm fiche, and been just delighted with the quality. Had a Minolta Dimage Ultra II, couldn't come close.
On the other hand for simple, easy, workable, but not fine fine work - the Epson 700 is pretty easy to use. I use it for quick scans of slides for projecting. Not sure about printing from it tho. Digital ICE there is a breeze, and the software is very easy. For most things, its a fine scanner, but for high end MF work, I'd do some tests first.