Need help and have questions about making brioche

Sorry I wasn't sure where to post this but here goes

Starting off I have never made this bread before but reading the recipe list of several different suggested ways to make the bread it sounds delicious....OK so here goes      
1) I have a 6 qt. Kitchen Aid mixer 600 Pro series, can it handle the mixing time and speed this bread needs?
2) Almost ever recipe calls for cutting the dough into balls and placing them in the pan in a row or side by side.... why is this done because I can't for the life of me figure out why I would want to make a loaf of bread like that other than for looks,  why not just shape the dough into a loaf and put it in the pan?

I was wanting to make it mainly for my wife to eat in the morning for breakfast before work and to use as French toast and of course I understand it makes pretty good sticky buns as well as other things I'm sure.

Any and all input on this is greatly needed and appreciated as I would really love to make this bread but I don't want to kill my mixer doing it.

Thanks in advance