The hop filter is only for use with whole hops, and doesn't do a great job with that . . It can be modded to make it more effective (#30 mesh wrapped around it)
The BM is supposed to work brilliantly with pellets as is. you just get a fast whirlpool going after cooling, give it 30 minutes, then run off though the tap, and when tipping you still get more wort out than you do with whole hops. I get around 3-5L 'lost' when using whole hops.
I brew with my BM un modded. I might get some silicone edging for the fiter plates, but it doesn't appear essential to me yet . . .but then I haven't sliced myself open on the edges yet

I don't have a jacket but made a poor mans version using a camping mat . . .essential for me as I brew outside . . it works, just doesn't look pretty.
The stainless hood I actually think is essential, firstly as a grain funnel it makes mashing in so much easier and cleaner, and during the boil it maintains a good rolling boil and no boil overs.
I will admit to hankering after the Springer Filter, but it is not supposed to work well with pellet hops, which is what I've swapped to after loosing so much to whole hops. . . . having said that a simple 90 bend pick up tube will also solve the need of having to tip the BM.
I am happy with the tap, and have no issues with it, I know others have replaced the tap . . .but that is more to connect to other pieces of kit in the brewery . . . I use a 10" length off silicone hose into my FV. I now cool using a coil in the FV rather than my Big FO plate chiller.
I have completely simplified my brewing process with the BM and just love brewing nowadays