What makes for a GOOD turntable.

Why is it my Music Hall MMF5 has a project tonearm and why is it the Project 9.1's motor isnt attached to the TT platter isnt that an accident waiting to happen? And why are there some mnay different opinions about whats right and whats wrong?

Basically high audio is a hobby where you can waste alot of hard earned money when all some people want to good solid equipment.

I am determined to find the truth what really makes a GOOD TT? I dont need the latest and greatest because one the prices are insane and your not even paying for the quality of the TT your paying the engineers salary who stayed up late thinking of the next big time under pressure from the marketing team.

So with that said what makes a GOOD TT. And please no suggestions over say $2500 cause that i just dont agree with.