I started down the gaggia classic route around 5 weeks ago after picking a broken one up on this forum.
After fixing it (easy) in it's bog standard form it produces a nice espresso without too much fuss. Also it steams/froths milk without too much fuss. This was using coffee's such as pre ground Illy from the supermarket through to our local roaster who ground it for me.
Good machine, good coffee
BUT... then I went for all the usual modifications, Over Pressure Valve mod, taking it down to 9bar pressure. Replace the steaming wand with a Silvia one. Non pressurised filter baskets. Better quality tamper & stainless steaming jug.
Iberital MC2 grinder.
It's taken me 2 days (around 10 coffees) and I have 'almost' got my grind and tamper dialled in. This mornings shot just started going weak at around 20 seconds instead of 25.
As for steaming milk, thats not even close yet but I have to try another brand of milk/type because I have read Tesco's semi skimmed is not much good. Time will tell.
My milk at the moment hase a thin layer of froth and the rest is just hot milk.
So draw your own conclusions from that!
If you want a good cup of espresso just for the weekend, look at the aerobie aeropress. I won't froth milk though!