agree w/ most everything said about it so far.
Just want to add that filling the hopper w/ beans is easy for me. I don't use the ring, I lift/fold back
the rubber "lid" and expose 1 of the 2 slots and pour the weighed beans from the basket. Just as
easy as pouring them into the throat of the SJ.
for me, only pulling 2 shots a day, I think my SJ has lost its place on the counter.
Also, as difficult as it already is to empty the funnel, I don't think it'd be easier w/ a flat
plate and 2 slots. I body slam it sideway (ok lightly) on a thick mouse pad and empty, repeat several times until nothing else comes out.