Well I confess some of my daily efforts hadn't been too different to your 2 weeks worth. Yes, good ideas all. Agree with the sushi mat cup does the job just as well as the silicon mats.I don't see the need for a fancy knock bin either. It isn't improving the coffee but I concede looks are important for many. I've also used an old mouse mat as a tamping mat. I've admired some nice commercial tamping stations and crafty hand-made ones. I once used a yoghurt container top as a grinds 'catcher' while practising my WDT. But the Orphan Espresso thingamie (the older one, not the new wider version) has not only cleaned up my messy act, it has improved my dosing technique. $24 well spent IMO