It is now apparent that the one good thing the mythical $4,500 GS/3 did was raise both the expectations and budget limits for a certain audience of home baristas. This has helped create an expanded market for double boiler home espresso makers and conical and conical-hybrid grinders, which the manufacturers and dealers appear delighted to fill.

2008 should be a very interesting year for home baristas!

Interesting point, Marshall -- and, it appears, quite right, too.