I formerly owned one having repaired it from non-working. I, too, suggest you post repair questions here.

Correct. It makes for a slight imbalance in the game; you can easily rack up the points on your first ball. Since it’s a two player, my wife often considered this a “feature” and not an oversight while she was mopping the floor with me.

I miss this machine. Whimsical and newcomer-friendly.