You basically described the same type of machines I go for. They have to be difficult, almost punishing for me. The harder the better.
I like to set my tilts relatively tight. Nudging is the best but there are different levels of nudging. Early games are all on 3 ball.
The later games I list are based on how difficult it is to get to the wizard mode and keeps me coming back for more.
Fathom -
Star Trek Bally
Punk
Paragon
Spirit
EK. Set tilt tight and 3 ball.
Dolly (amazing sleeper on 3 ball if you set tilt tight) very difficult to spell “Dolly Parton”. My top gambling game.

Iron Man VE
Tron
Black Knight LE (another sleeper that keeps me coming back for that wizard mode)
Star Wars Premium cartoon art ( I don’t focus on the multiplier and score. Strictly blowing up Death Star and wizard.)
Hot Wheels - amazing rules. Great bang for the buck.
Alien - amazing rules.
RBION-fantastic getting to wizard mode.
GOTLE

During the pandemic, I find myself gravitating to tougher games but single player and going after wizard modes.

All great picks.