Mine was always serviced when it said, and with the proper cleaning bits. The water pump has gone on mine I think. Maybe I should have considered the plan like you. Was a great machine other than it now being dead
Keep it simple is my advice. I had an expensive Siemens machine that was very good... but died after 3 years and beyond economical repair despite costing £700 at the time.
I now use an Aeropress (£20!), or a Caffetiere (£15!) for every day use.
I would have said Gaggia too having got a...