Quoted from Haymaker:Bro...buying pinball machines, especially from "reputable" companies is not like buying stocks. The goal is indeed perfection.
I mean, I see your point, getting something IS better than nothing, but the fact remains you got scammed.
Of course I got scammed! Duh. As I said in my first post in this thread, I also had 4 perfect transactions with JD, so it's not like I was scammed by a stranger! I was scammed by someone who was considered a rockstar based on the Pinside reviews (which were 100% wildly positive).
EVERY pinball transaction has the opportunity of being imperfect.
Years ago, I bought a NIB AC/DC that had an awful PF. Little Shop of Games stood by me, and got Stern to send us a populated PF which LSOG replaced. An example of an imperfect transaction made perfect.
Years ago, I bought a CQ CV and it was damaged in transit. Imperfect transaction. The shipping company and seller both helped pay for the damage IIRC. Again, an imperfect transaction made more perfect.
The R&M transaction was extreme imperfection I paid in full for a game in December that was promised for January/February...in writing! After 10 months of bickering with JD, I convinced him to at least deliver me a game (AIQ Pro). For folks close to the situation, they were really shocked that I was able to get ANYTHING out of JD given his woe-is-me story. So while some of you can criticize me for compromising, you really have no idea what it's like to deal with a situation like this. Sure...I could have been more adamant about a FULL cash settlement. I don't believe that would have been the right path FOR ME. Getting a machine to enjoy and putting this to rest was far more important. My fucking monthly healthcare cost more than $1,750, just to put the loss into perspective. It's not a big deal. Getting something to play was a bigger deal for me. It's a hobby after all, and when I look at all my good fortune in this hobby, this was small time shit.
Bottom line: Of the 60+ machines I've purchased over the years, only ~6 transactions have been "imperfect"...this being the worst, obviously.