Hey Leo,
we have the Classic Gaggia. The problems I mentioned before...the filter bit (that's the word I couldn't think of) is easy to clean and the same as any other, as you say. The place where the filter slides into...that little pocket on the machine for the filter, well that's the bit that's hard to clean. We use a brush on it, but because its facing downwards towards the tray, you can't see what you're doing. Thats why we have to turn the machine on once before using it, (prime it the brochure calles it) to run hot water down and clean out some of the old espresso powder from the last time. But I don't feel that cleans it properly. I think you can actually take a screwdriver to remove this...would you be bothered?
The milk frother does unscrew, but the part that unscrews is on top of the bit that's impossible to remove...I'm afraid i will break the metal arm from trying to push the plastic bits off for washing. It breaks up into four little bits and it's just very fiddley. My husband loves it, but I'm not a fan. He only uses it maybe twice or three times a week, whereas I might make nice coffee every day, a couple of times a day and these days I can't be bothered.
For the amout of money we spent, I think I'm not as happy as I'd like to be. And to be honest, I'm don't drink espresso much anyway so would have preferred something simpler but sure he got his way as he usually does when it comes to this stuff!
I suppose I'm just saying to anyone buying, make sure you decide which is more important.. convenience or espresso that tastes perfect...for me its convenience..
mica