Is Lightroom more or less the same as Adobe Camera RAW?
No, it's much more. Think of it as similar to Photoshop Elements Organizer with Adobe Camera Raw built-in. Like Organizer, you import your photos into the database using the Library Module and then you can work with them in the other modules. The Lightroom Develop Module is equivalent to Adobe Camera Raw. Edits are non-destructive and stored in the database. You can print from Lightroom directly or export to jpg or other image formats as needed or share to social media.
Anyone know if LR6 would be able to go as high as version 6.9?
The program installs as 6.0.0, but updates were available. I think the last available update was to 6.10.1, Adobe discontinued Lightroom 6 earlier this year and no longer sells it in their store or supports it -- there will be no further updates for version 6. Updates were downloaded through the program update function, but I'm not sure if the server is still functional or not. I believe the last update can be manually downloaded from Adobe though. Note: Although Lightroom and Photoshop CC added functionality to Raw processing, Lightroom 6 updates do not incorporate those additions. It's bug fixes and camera and lens support only.
Before you go out and buy Lightroom 6, consider that Adobe provides a
free DNG converter that can convert the newer supported raw formats (which are not in CS6) to a DNG format which can be opened and edited in Photoshop CS6 ACR. The original files are untouched. It should solve your problem and the price is right.
I personally switched to the Adobe Creative Suite Photography plan long ago. That gives me both Photoshop CC and Lightroom CC for about $10/month. Not trying to convince anyone to go that route. Just mentioning it as an option.