It seems like folks like to go off on their own preconceived narrative on things instead of looking into what Gary’s statement is about.
I listened to the interview and my take on what he said is that Pros are undervalued because he doesn’t make as much money on them as other Prem and LE models. If you take a Pro for what it is at $5600 and compare it to a $7300 Prem or $8800 LE you will find the Prem and LE have more features, but do they have $1700 or $$3200 more BOM? No.
My guess is that the profit margins are much higher on Prem and LE games. I would ask “So Gary why don’t you just sell Prem and LE games and make higher profit margins per each pin?” To me I get out of the interview that he wants locations to have a good reasonably cost, profitable option and good entry level price point for collectors. He is willing to have a lower profit margin game to do it even though the option may take away sales form higher option games. He knows folks will play the pro at a show or location, like it and buy one or even better upgrade to a Premium or LE. Say what you want but that is smart business and provides an option for many folks.
Stern has had no Pros models before. They have only Prem LE level with no pro games like BM66. So they do it on occasion but it doesn’t sound like Gary wants to make that a thing and the Pro is here to stay.
So “underpriced for what they are compared to more expensive models” is what I get out of the interview, but Gary said he will keep putting them out for the lower price point people and locations. Now that I think about it again I do think Pros are underpriced compared to Prems and LE’s. I think my IMDN Pro is way underpriced compared to a WOZ YBR edition at $11500. What do you think?
I love the Pros and have owned a bunch. Keep them coming.