Ah Pjotr even when I say we disagree you argue back that we don't - go figure. Well rest assured there was plenty in your post that I see significantly differently. Specifically that Stovetops can make a good coffee - with all due respect and given your own admission that you've tried every different machine/method I respectfully suggest it might be user error, supported by the pattern of failure with other devices. If you know the stovetops limitations it will work well, just like a plunger - BUT they're frequently not used properly and as such are very easy to turn out nasty coffee on.
Again with all due respect this is just simply not true - there's been multiple options given that are even within the $500 budget that would serve him well. Sweeping generalisations that seek to override the advise of multiple other forum members that have considerable experience in this area (and I'm NOT talking about myself) are IMHO a tad simplistic (and what I mean by this is there's a tiny bit of truth to SOME of the things you say but the majority of them are incorrect) - especially when as you say yourself you've struck out multiple times in this area yourself ... anyway all the info is there
@alfredus can decide what suits him best.
@gthomas04 , Saeco do tend to make some of the better automatic machines but my comments regarding them stand. If you like I can give you the link to a nearby seller who only wants $200 total for a under 2yr old Sunbeam EM6910 and EM0480 grinder. Very good buying and would be a stepup from your De Longhi.
Autos will give you a mediocre cup and they are complicated bits of gear made for offices and NEED PROFESSIONAL servicing regularly - and it is very expensive.
You'd be very happy with the SB - it's being sold by a COffee Snob member and has everything you need done to it. Anyway if you're keen let me know and I'll get the deets.