An other possibility is maybe the device is setup incorrectly e.g. the filter / gasket is not sitting right or something? Though I assume you've taken it apart multiple times at this point and would have noticed.
As you've already tried multiple things and covered the basics, I would suggest trying to find some sort of coffee enthusiast group around, or maybe a bit of a fancy / hipster coffee shop, with someone who knows their way around a moka pot who could help you diagnose the issue (whether it's in the device or its usage).
Seems a shame to have had a good experience, and to have bought a moka pot, and to not get joy out of it.
Agreed.. my next gambit is to use the aeropress paper filters, which apparently fit. I do have the right flow now -- it drips out of the spout without making a mess. I made some coffee that basically exploded out of it and needed the lid to contain the mess. But I'm past that. And if I have the aeropress filters, I'm pretty close to getting an aeropress too.
As you've already tried multiple things and covered the basics, I would suggest trying to find some sort of coffee enthusiast group around, or maybe a bit of a fancy / hipster coffee shop, with someone who knows their way around a moka pot who could help you diagnose the issue (whether it's in the device or its usage).
Seems a shame to have had a good experience, and to have bought a moka pot, and to not get joy out of it.