Have you tried making it without a breadmaker? In my opinion, its a lot better then a breadmaker. I don't like having the hole in the bottom from the little mixer arm, and think it dries out the bread faster, and i think the loves look funny.
I make bread a couple times month. And once you get it down, it is very easy and i hardly ever mess up a batch. I use a larger Kitchen Aid (7qt)
And my batch gets me 3 loaves. From start to finish it is roughly 4-6hrs. Depending on the season, winter time usually takes a little longer since it's colder. Sunday afternoons in our house smells amazing!