Quality. There is no question that this is a machine for serious espresso preparation. This is not a coffee toy. You can serve espresso drinks as fast as your friends and family can drink them.
Design:  Looks and function are combined for perfection.

For some cost may be a negative. Like most things in life you get what you pay for. The cost may be high but the return in service and quality exceeds the investment IF you use the machine constantly
No real negative points. Mostly minor irritations. The instructions are useless. as everyone notes. The espresso angels do not sing when a god shot is created. (Of course I may not have yet achieved that level of perfection)
. I also appreciate but the cup warmer tray.  It provides good space to display my favorite espresso cups but they do not get very warm.
WARNING: With proper use operators may develop symptoms of “Espresso snobbery”
For details visit  http://www.coffeekid.com/other/snobbery.htm

I have been dating espresso for a while and decided it was time to get serious. After a long affair with a Faema Family machine it was time to move on. I mail ordered my new espresso bride. As I removed the vail of wrapping I was greeted, in flowing script, with these sweet (and somewhat egocentric) words: For Music Puccini, For Art Bernini For Espresso Pasquini. These words are on the side of the machine adding a touch of  visual elegance
To quote Bogart:” I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship”
Espresso, the reason for Pasquini. I have enjoyed the best quality shots I had ever had with this machine. The Pasquini will deliver a great shot time and tine again as long as the operator does the proper preparation. The art of proper preparation, beans, to grind, to volume, to tamp, are not the responsibility of Pasquini. Like a princess bride everything must be right for her to perform well.
I find running a few ounces of water (blank shot) through the group head a necessary preparation before the first shot of the day.  I also run a blank shot after using the hot water wand or steamer as the water flow is uneven otherwise. The blank shot evens out the pressure thus creating smooth wonderful ribbons of espresso.
The espresso shots are a joy!. Good rich crema, full Guinness effect. Hot full flavor from any bean. I have been very happy with the Illy beans.  No down time between shots and you can steam milk and keep going
The one slight problem exists in the overall height of the machine. It is almost impossible to use a 20oz-frothing pitcher under the wand unless the machine is on a base or positioned over the edge of the counter. This problem is not unique to the Pasqunini. I am working with the edge of the counter configuration.
I have not found the warm-up time to be a problem as I turn on the Pasquini in the morning and can leave it on until I go to bed. The Livia 90 waits without complaint ready to serve.
One great option that is understated is the hot water wand. The hot water created is under pressure so it is a bit hotter then boiling. This creates fast and complete brewing of tea. My wife really enjoys the tea-hot water feature. Having on demand hot water is very useful. For friends and guest the want a cup of coffee I have been making Cafe Americano. This is much faster and easier then brewing a cup for one or two people. There is adequate water supply in the boiler for two cups of tea. Also making hot chocolate with steamed milk is wonderful. These  treats have created a path to acceptance for my wife of this espresso affair.

I had a very positive buying experence with Chris Coffee. http://www.chriscoffee.com/.  Mark suggested I give Chris a call and I was happy I did. Chris made it a point to be sure I was happy with my decision and provided answers to all my questions.  He supplied with the machine water testing strips explaining how important the water quality is. He also provided a case of Illy beans. A nice touch. I would recommend to anyone to  give Chris a call if you are thinking getting your own espresso bride.