John, the 6 in. comes in the box packaged from the factory. If it is cost concerns, sell the 6. A lot of people would love to have one. Me personally, I have not had the stock coil on the 900 yet. That 6 in. is like a laser, more stable and not much loss on depth.
As far as the box's go, I hear you .Would be nice to see a little more protection on the packages but I have to say I have bought 2 800s in 2018. One dropped shipped and one from a dealer, and now a 900 with just the cardboard outer box and had no issues. And recently sold one of the 800s, shipped the same way and it arrived in good condition. Baring a forklift running over one in the warehouse I think they will be fine. My two cents. Mark