I found that Niche Zero+the Gaggia version of the La Pavoni lever machine knocked out reliably nice espresso more easily than my new combination of Linea Mini and Niche Duo.
I also used my Gaggia 105 heavily for a decade and as long as you refresh the gaskets periodically it just motors on.
As a fellow G105 owner, I find this incredibly interesting. Always envied the 'consistency' of fancy semi-autos to do good coffee every time whereas I have to focus (and have a bit of luck) to get the most from the lever.
I found that Niche Zero+the Gaggia version of the La Pavoni lever machine knocked out reliably nice espresso more easily than my new combination of Linea Mini and Niche Duo.
I also used my Gaggia 105 heavily for a decade and as long as you refresh the gaskets periodically it just motors on.