made moka without boiling the water today, after finding out a lot of people don't in fact do that. it took longer and actually tasted different in a good way. I think I'm going to stop pre-boiling.

You know what's a good way to taste the difference? Boil water separately and put both pots together and let them cook down, then strain it off and try it side-by-side.

how many moka pots do you think I own?

A lot, but no matter which way you do it, moka always tastes the same.