yeah tried the hot water technique, just never really got a cup I was very happy with. Might acquire mocha pot again at some point though and experiment.
For science!! :) I do have my aeropress too which I love, but just find the mocha maker one easier to use now and less faff.
Actually one of the best ones I have found is an electric one, that does it all for you. I don't have one myself but have used a friends and it makes it very consistant everytime. Pricey though... at around £100.
And there's one crazy one on amazon that also grinds your beans for you... that costs 6k!!!! Sheesh.