Ok, while I don’t have much to share in your lament other then that sucks I do have a few things to share that I learned myself this past week. The first being never judge a book by its cover (or at least the Long written pages of said book lol). I had the opportunity to meet the Bubble man himself at TPF with my wife and I am honored to say he is a Really great guy. Big in stature yet humble at heart. A gentle giant if you will. We thoroughly enjoyed our conversations with him and learned many wonderful things about his journeys and accomplishements. A truly interesting person we are Glad we met. Plus he like my son Proudly served our Navy so we can enjoy our freedom to bitch about pinball. Lol. I do hope you find your game or a dealer that will get the job done for you. Just wanted to say Thank you for letting us know the Real Bublehead and sharing your time with us, your a really great dude!

Still one of the most detailed emotional posters in Pinside. You go Bublehead hope your liking that game finally!

Some interesting points to ponder no doubt. I have always felt it was more or less up to the individual and also their threshold for dispensable cash. Kind of like driving a Kia to work vs a Mercedes. Or eating on china vs paper plates. Both complete the same objective no question but some see and feel a value in some things over others. Which is not wrong. If you work hard for your family and misc luxuries there is no harm in investing in what can make you feel good. Sometimes that investment is simply Time. Long ago I used to LOVE tearing down a dirty, smoking, infested game for the challenge of seeing if I could get it working and or cleaning it up for a new lease on life. Many times as game specific parts were hard to find (like restoring an old car) the end result would be break even at best but the sense of Accomplishment is what inspired you to hunt for that next challenge! For me, over time I started to more value Time with family, friends, events, etc and opted to buy games that were more polished or needing little effort to still enjoy the amazing game yet not be committed to it for weeks on end to solve its history of accumulated problems and smells. lol Thats the part of pinball I actually enjoy (which sadly many overlook). Its a Personal feeling and enjoyment. You don't Have to love what everyone else loves or what a list of 50 tells you is the best nor do you have to only have an experience on a game that is Minty vs dirty. If it brings you or your family joy or fun you win!

Cool story for sure and I can see how he would spend time talking shop with you as you both have a great friendly personality. To confess Bubblehead, you were one of the unknown faces of Pinside I wasn’t sure about till I (with my wife) met you in person. You really are a great person with a wonderful personality and we were sincerely glad to meet and spend time with you! Granted your a giant your passion is just as large for life. Plus your in the Navy like my son so your an all around winner. Thanks.

What an interesting and detailed perspective story. Really appreciate you sharing. The Team commitment and respect gained in the military for each comrade is so unique and special. A sad story yet enlightening to hear their dedication towards each other. Thanks for sharing.