There is essentially at least 3 generations of traveler : the very earliest ones which have an iec connector on the back and at least with the non black ones (red / white / blue) a much nicer glossy smooth paint job. This was quickly replaced by a next gen which had a "wall wart" and problematic motor and pebbled paint job which I don't think was as nice. Then lastly there was a corrected model which had an improved motor - which you address in #4.
The ones to get therefore are the very first ones or the very last ones. I have an early first gen , and yes - mine had bearing pins which were too short which I was able to correct by adjusting the bearing cup / screw inward to better hold the pin in place. No issue since then. And I addressed potential emi noise from the motor to a large degree by using a wireworld stratus power cord, which has power conditioning properties. It's possible I had noisy AC as well.
So - I still vote for the very first gen traveler because of the nicer paint job (which you can't diy correct). I actually like the VPI plaque more than the silkscreening on the plinth.
I suppose the very last ones would be the safest bet.
