Its called crowdsourcing and its the new way to fund projects when banks aren't exactly as keen as they used to be about lending money. Without it innovation could very well dry up and along with it a lot of very slick products will never find a way to reality out of someone's head. Its a great way of securing funds and also gauging interest in a product by targeting the same group who may be interested in said product to provide the funding. ie the more funding you get, the more demand there is likely going to be for your product.

I see what you're saying, but some new to the hobby might want a pinball designed from the 21st century and are willing to put some investment into a company that is doing that. I'm not saying you're wrong or slighting you any way there, just saying that maybe those coming into the hobby are looking for some of the things Jack is building into his first pin that aren't available on any other pin yet. Kind of like a car. Lots of people are comfortable buying an older car for their first vehicle while some want the features of a new one. Both can be right is what I'm trying to say. For someone new to the hobby, I'd hope they'd look at both options and go with the one they want or which one they can afford the cost or risk on. Old classic or something new.