I'm lucky enough to have a coveted 13" Makita. I bought it through an American importer of Japanese tools that subsequently received a not so nice legal letter from Makita Japan. In general I like it. It's not as easy to handle as a Bigfoot, but it cuts a whole lot straighter. The Makita 13 can still wander a good bit (mmmm paring end grain) and I'm guessing the remedy would be a fatter blade like the Mafell. But then you need more power and so on. I believe I bought it for about the same price as the 16" Makita. I would definately support Makita Japan importing some of their tools.
B