What do you care what they say? Do you really need confirmation for what you hear and like? Whatever you buy, whatever you pay, there's always, ever, gonna be someone who says you can do better, and they will always be right too. So what?
The CS5000 is a classic. It's a gorgeous table with real sophisticated hi-tech (for it's time) speed control that could potentially prove difficult to maintain, but is exceptionally reliable as long as the drive belt is in good shape. The tonearm is kind of the "forever" built in type but it's versatile, although on the 80's popular low mass range, and not at least bad. It will proudly accommodate TOTL MM/MI carts like the Stanton 881S and the lower compliance sought after ADC carts. If you're willing to give up the semi-auto convenience, it can even be replaced (not that I see why you'd want that).
Geez! This TT will mop the floor with all the modern Hanpin SL-1200 wannabees with no exception, including most of the real none broadcast Technics tables and including many of the garage sale plastic fantastic "scores" you hear about around here. It is quieter than most of the classic esteemed Dual idler changers and most collectors, me included, would just love to add one to the old hoard.
It is not a Linn Sondek, not a VPI and not a SOTA and it will never ever be, but like those, if you slap a better matching cart on it, it will sound better. Better than most actually.
They don't often sell for $600 and there's a huge difference between an asking price and an actual sale. They usually sell for $500'ísh tops (with a good cart, if you stretch it) and mostly for less. It's still high, and that's because it's what people are willing to buy them for. That should tell you everything.