yes - it's a stability shoe, and yes - there are loads of alternatives
but if you've had no problems with them why change model?? I think version 9 is the latest model so you could try that or shop around online to see if there is stock of the 7 (unlikley maybe as there has also been a version 8 as well so the 7 is an old style now)
if in doubt, go to a decent running shop and try on some 9s and the alternatives