IMHO this question has been pondered by anyone who has purchases a solidoodle printer as there first printer. And likely any printer owner.
The second point I will make is that the home plug and play 3d printer does not really exists yet.
It takes time perseverance and patience to get really nice prints. and sometimes it is a trade of between speed and quality. Every printer, every roll of filament and even every design to be printed,will have its own needs for best performance.
And it is up to the owner operator to figure out the best settings . Yes there are guidelines that will get you close. but there are a seemingly a hundred variables to consider.
Another point is the owner needs to be the repair tech so the more you do to learn how to repair / upgrade the easier it is to fix something when it breaks.
Back to your questions.
If you like your press it makes sense to repair the failing heat bed and take the opportunity to install a better one especially if you have the parts on hand.
The press was designed to be a good looking printer for the home living space . It was not designed to be heavily modified . So your upgrades will be somewhat limited . but You can allays replace parts with better quality if you like.
A better printer? this is open ended and what will be better for you . There are lots of good usable printers on the market.
Here is link to my favorite 3d printing store (OK the only specialty store in driving distance)
https://printedsolid.com/collections/3d-printers
I Went the way of a kit build to chase a better printer
https://folgertech.com/products/folger- … rinter-kit
My next printer will likely be one of these.
https://folgertech.com/products/folger- … rinter-kit
You need to decide what you want in a better printer
A highly modifiable kit/machine
fast printing
Dual print heads multiple colors/material
larger print area .
Large material range
Looks
Sturdy solid frame
component quality.
and the other question is do you buy a dream machine or get basic and upgrade over time.
I know more question than answers LOL
Hope this helps
Tin
Soliddoodle 4 stock w glass bed------Folger Tech Prusa 2020 upgraded to and titan /aero extruder mirror bed
FT5 with titan/ E3D Aero------MP mini select w glass bed
MP Utimate maker pro-W bondtech extruder
Marlin/Repetier Host/ Slic3r and Cura