I have a 2012+ cherub that I bought in December, first proper machine and cost not a lot. So far I think it’s been brilliant, ok it’s a simple machine, but it means it should be easy to keep going.
Can confirm my heating element gasket needs replacing, so glad to know it’s common.
The drip tray seems ok to me. But if it’s running all morning making coffee you would need to empty it regularly I’d say.
Mine has a rectangular profile water tank and it’s easily removable without removing any panels etc, just remove the plastic lid, pull it upwards and it comes out.
It has a load of steam power, 2.7L boiler certainly helps, I don’t know the group head temp as it doesn’t have provision to fit a gauge. I usually do a flush though after I remove the portafilter and start grinding my coffee.