From what I recall from the (obligatory) James Hoffmann video was that the spout was basically pointless (unless you're splitting a shot of course). Seems like just another thing to clean, and why would you decide to not watch a naked portafilter extraction?!
I was wondering about the mat. They're very insistent that I use it in the documentation that came with it, but it adds a bit of height too...
Made first espresso, even with my poor skills and first go at the right grind it tasted remarkably nice!
Does anyone use the two way spout? Is that only if I'm making a double in two cups? Doesn't seem to mention it at all in the manual.