Note that "X fixed the machine" will be overridden by "Freddies" or "blood kiwitini" or anything else in the castle, if the character did something after using the machine. So, yes - some other mechanism for the machine being fixed.
I don't believe the log shows when somebody has gotten a skill, so there isn't currently a way to know if the machine is available any more, even if it's been fixed. Perhaps we could suggest that they add "X learned a skill in The Machine (0 turns)" to the log or something.
I have already asked TPTB to add lines for the skills learned, however due to the current implementation of a line of the log being a derivative of an adventure being used, I don't think it will be resolved any time soon. I added to my script working historical loot logging, machine fixing in the dread table while preserving other choices as well, etc.
For an example of how I did the loot tables and such, you can check out the screen shots I posted at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1On79l3kSLYu0z5wT3JYErHL2Y1yxOiE21QrhapnEqjc/edit?usp=sharing