I did take it in to get serviced right before I started using it because it had been probably 15 years since the last time it was used. I could definitely get on board with calling it a "touch and swear," but now that I'm used to it a little more I haven't had as many issues.
I'm not dead set on a completely mechanical machine, more like I don't see the need to have a computerized one. Thanks for your suggestions!