After touring the factory at expo, I kinda get the " loose screw" episodes here. They do have many, many people using overhead pneumatic or electric screw/ nut drivers, as it's a pretty large assembly ( not manufacturing) facility.
I can't speak for other games, but this one definitely requires hand tightened screws, nuts, etc. in key areas, as power tools would obviously over torque them. There were plenty of hand soldering stations, but didn't notice nearly as many hand assembly lines. This has to be a huge qc challenge for them, with so many games moving everywhere.
This, by NO means justifies the issues, but simply shines some light on it. Does anyone know if all these qc issues have any coorelation to when they moved to the larger facility, and upped assembly?
Believe it or not, I was really impressed with the facility, and the overall positive attitudes that I witnessed from all the employees. I really believe they take pride in their work, and the passion from Gary on down felt very sincere. They were genuinely excited to bring this BM66, their 30th anniversary edition, to life.
Growth issues are absolutely real, and I'm sure they are truly as disheartened as we are to see some of these issues happening. Have to believe they are working very hard to " get their legs" wrapped around the qc aspect.
I don't work for Stern, have no inside knowledge, certainly not a " fanboy", and am disheartened by some of these very real issues being faced by customers who laid out big money for any of these games ( news flash- 4K is just as big as 15k to some). Mistakes and challenges happen everyday, it's how we deal with them is what separates the good from the bad...strictly a business statement. Sincerely hope ( and do believe) Stern will work harder, and stand behind their products. Their passion seems very genuine.
I'm not naive, just common sense. If the quality goes south, the funds WILL stop. Costs far more to repair something than to do it right the first time. Choosing to believe they are fully aware of this is the stance I'm taking. I want the customers with bad games to be made whole, AND I want Stern ( along with JJP, Heighway, etc.) to thrive.