That would be interesting if buyers of Hobbit could get their money back and then potentially repurchase at the lower rate. I think he has to make Hobbit a stunning success for his model to work.

I understand what you are saying, but are you sure of the facts? For example, the cost of health insurance has skyrocketed, and unless these pinball companies are not providing the insurance, that will factor into overall costs. I would bet that labor costs have gone up in more ways than one in the last few years. I know our graduates here at the university are getting offers that have gone up each of the last couple years (granted they are not working in a factory). JJP (and I believe Stern) has arguably upped their game on quality of the playfield, toys, etc. That has got to increase costs. Does that mean that profit has decreased ... no. But, I would bet that costs have gone up. Too bad they are not public companies, then we would know for sure.

Agreed. I envy you guys with room for a basement full of pins. Our basements in Tennessee are ... well, pretty much nonexistent. I have to stick pins in the upstairs gameroom, which leaves me room for 2 perhaps 3 if I don't mind getting the silent treatment for a while.

Touché!

Of course it sounds pretty good until you try to lug a 350lb STTNG up stairs with a 90 degree angle.