Hi Andy
I have a ND myself and in answer to your points:
1. Water resevoir IS awkward to remove - do you have a Lakeland Plastics near you. I found a plastic tray (60cm X 42cm) originally used for cleaning oven shelves, to sit the cutter in - job done.
2. Go to Ikea for replacement screws (the ones that screw wardrobes together - they fit perfectly) for the guard, but you should only need to loosen them to get the guard out
3. Nothing you can do about that am afraid - Only a basic line model.
As Dave says, unscrew the guard for socket holes.
I can post pics if needed.
Hope this helps.
Lawrence