At this point, there's not much to report...

We are still very much in the phase of making using the machine a genuine habit. There have been days when I've simply "missed," due to forgetting or being too busy with other things. Also, only recently, I upgraded the system to have two lye-scrubbing bubblers before the water-infusion bubbler, as I thought I could taste a trace of lye in the bubbled water. With two bubblers, the water now tastes just fine.

Having said all that—very subjectively, I feel that "something" is beginning to happen. But no overt results yet.

Thanks, @deimus, for reading and for the great question! :D