I sent a note over to Duncan. He confirmed that he never said the unit would not weld 6011. He said it was not specifically designed to weld 6010... and he said he never said it would not weld 6011.
The PA 200 and the PA 300 will both handle 6010 or 6011 without an issue. HOWEVER, the units do like a shorter arc while welding 6010. They are designed to shut down the arc, if a long arc causes a voltage to exceed a preset limit. This keeps amperage draw down and also forces correct welding technique. They will hold a tolerably long arc, but not as long as a transformer...which has no intelligent way to shut down the output.

I will tell you one thing that makes or breaks the welding ability of these units: The work clamp connection. If it isn't right, the units won't weld right.

The 185 isn't a higher welder as far as stick....Stick capability is lower than the 160sth. It's an entry level AC/DC TIG.