I picked one up and I am very pleased. I haven't owned enough machines to be able to give you a list of pro's and con's but it makes better espresso than my old Gaggia Coffee (OPV is non adjustable without a mod for that unit).

I still can't quite recreate the shot I had on a LM Strada but I get close enough to think it might be me more than the machine though it is probably a little of both. Close in this case is still light years above what a lot of cheaper machines can create, and maybe closer to the shot a higher price machine can make as well. The 0.7 liter boiler is large enough to give temp stability - especially when controlled by the PID. Add in the extremely easy to adjust OPV and good things can happen.

It looks well built and is heavy enough that it doesn't slide around when I lock or unlock the portafilter but it is not sitting on a very slick surface so this helps. Dry weight is 35 lb but add almost 3 liters of water and the whole thing is probably over 40 pounds. Good luck with your decision.

I am not qualified to answer that question since I have only recently tried steaming milk - I can promise it gets milk hot but I have zero steam skills developed as I like straight shots and Americano's.

In this video there is a thorough walk through of the QuickMill Silvano - at a little after the 6 minute mark a steaming demo takes place - in something like 30 seconds the milk is ready.

http://vimeo.com/29008181