The Kirby is good but not good enough

I guess the two biggest realizations I got from the Kirby guy are that most vacuums stink and everyone wants to rip you off. After looking at the Kirby, my own vacuum (a Hoover), and a little research online, I've come to the conclusion that there is not a great consumer house vacuum. Most vacuums suck okay (never enough), but the base at the bottom is too large for that amount of suction and many suck from the side and it's impossible to get anything from the other side. I believe the sweeping mechanism knocks some dirt and dust in the air like when you beat a rug and whatever is in the air may get sucked up but the majority will be pushed down into the carpet. I've started using my shop vac and I think it's doing a way better job.
As far as Kirby is concerned. I'm not supposed to say that the price (including the carpet shampooer and all other attachments) was $2500 dollars (which I'm sure they get often) and when we weren't interest, it amazingly dropped in half. Later I was somehow offered the friends and family discount (what it costs them) that was $800 which I'm also not supposed to say. The interesting thing is, he happened to know the exact sales tax of that price right off the top of his head. There were also many other red flags and things that didn't add up (like the warranty that I asked to see in writing, was not what he assured me that I really will get).