I to have just broken into the piggy bank and as my first step into Astronomy bought the skymax & gti but with a zwo 120mc camera and Stellarmate running on a Pi4 so I can sit in the warmth. A Smart controlled would be a great addition.
As for a sticky focusing knob, mine seems ok and has just the right level of resistance to make fine adjustments without too much of a wobble.
Back to the motorised control, I was thinking of a step motor controlled by the Pi and wonder if anyone has done this, are there any drivers that will integrate with Stellarmate.