Tori,
I recently compared the E8 to the Saeco Royal Deluxe which is mechanically identical to the Gaggia. I preferred the style of the E8 but the Gaggia/Saeco has it hands down on features.
The features that convince me were the removable brew group, the greater flexibility of programming (ability to adjust water dose - so I can make ristrettos) as well as the more heavy duty nature of the Saeco/Gaggia line.
I'm no expert but I've talked to a few and they've all agreed that the Gaggia/Saeco is the better machine.
/Matt