Also, do you know if the PSTAT switch can be replaced with a SSR? That would be the cherry on the pie.

It can be done with a little risky removing of the safety low level probe. Better yet would be to apply a PID to the grouphead heating elements. A forum member has done this with success and may post about it.

As regards the early morning boiler fill, I have received similar complaints and the solution is simply to turn the machine on at night or whenever it has FULLY cooled and let the boiler refill for the 5 or so seconds. Then immediately shut the machine down and it will NOT refill in the AM.