I'll second this recommendation, I personally want really good espresso with minimal fuss ( since I'm usually making it when I'm half awake), and the bambino fits the bill. It still required a bit of dialing in everything to get there, but now can consistently pull really nice shots quickly. I don't care as much about milk frothing, but from what I've seen it works well.
Only comment is that it doesn't have a grinder. Thankfully I had a good one already, but if your grinder is struggling with consistency it's going to be really hard. I might find a used barista express if thats the case for you.
Not a coffee creamer fan, and don't like sweet coffee, but I can totally agree that if I wanted (for some reason) my coffee to taste like a twix, or a Snickers, or a pop tart, I would be kind of disappointed if it were so weak. I am guessing it's probably due to the assumption by the manufacturer that people are going to use a whole lot more of the creamer than he does, so to make those flavors stronger would overpower the drink.