Or just drop $10-15k or an under the counter espresso machine.

https://modbar.com/system/espresso-av/

There’s a toggle in the settings in Connect for that now.

That seems beyond excessive.

Plastic tends to be the best, imo. I don’t even really worry to heavily about preheating when using my plastic v60. But if j. Brewing with my Stagg XF, I absolutely place the Stagg XF on top of my Stagg kettle as well while it gets up to temp. Though the Stagg XF does have the benefit of being double walled stainless steel, so it does a great job of keeping temp.

I mean I could be mistaken, but it looks like they just did?

Usually adding a paper filter like that will reduce the fines that make their way through the metal filters, so you get a cleaner cup. Moka is already a stronger and heartier brew, so removing some fines would likely make for a smoother cup. Also could potentially increase the pressure, even just slightly, so can grind just a hair coarser.

I hate everything about this. Good lord what have you done.