Hi, I was about to create a new post for a similar issue - but reading yours thought I'd chime in.
Our 6910 must be a very similar vintage, getting similar if not a little less (~250g/wk) usage. It has had one previous issue with the thermostat where it would not recognise the temperature when turned on, eternally flashing lights, getting hotter and hotter. We took it to Bravo repairs in Sydney and they overhauled the whole machine. This was about 14 months ago.
Until recently the machine was working well after its service. But I have now noticed two things:
1) water leaking around the group head. Only at the very beginning of the pour and then it settles, and only losing ~5-10mL I'd say.
2) temperature of machine seems to be higher than it has been before.
The leaking around the grouphead - It is not the blue rubber seal as I replaced it very recently. I wonder if this is the group handle lugs slowly wearing away at the head. I remember someone asking me to feel for sharp edges on the lugs and up under the grouphead, and mine are getting fairly sharp. With 2-4 insetions and turns a day x365 x9 (=13,000) it has to wear down sometime!
Any other comments or advice about the leak or the temperature would be appreciated. The machine is still usable, I'm just wondering whether it is likely to be able to be repaired again, or is it finally on it's last legs..?
On that final note - What would be a good replacement? Something that is a step up, but not too expensive?