You are Correct, it is safer to use the firewire cable that has only 4 pin type on both ends.
I fried my camcorder ilink, because i accidentally plug the 6 pin type in a wrong orientation.
Be sure to CORRECTLY plug the 6 pin into your computer FIRST and double check visually. before plugging the 4 pin into your camcorder. This way it does not matter if your computer and camcorder are turned on or not, it is truly plug and play.
Now we just have to find where this firewire chips are in the camcorder, maybe desolder and replace them. I read somewhere in australia a fellow repaired the firewire link in his laptop by replacing a chip that cost only $10.00.

John
Albuquerque
N.M.