Barcades are learning that they have to price the game at something to keep people interested. Most are going to at least $.25 or $.50 to play. If nothing else it keeps people from pushing the start button 4 times and walking away after the 1st, 2nd ball because they have something invested.
Personally, I won’t play a straight $1 game. I’ll do 3 for $2 if it’s a well maintained B/W “it” title or newer Stern. If it’s an older, middle of the road kinda pin (JP JD T2 etc) the OP has made his money hand over fist and should just sell me the pin