I think that it's not a question of "can we have three successful pinball companies competing with each other?" as much as it is "can these companies get out of their own way?" Can Stern get code out in a timely manner before The Oath puts a serious dent into sales? Can Jersey Jack run itself as a company on pre-sales cash flow? Can Planetary be able to charge enough for 20-year-old designs (that aren't as high-priced as Medieval Madness to begin with) to keep running? For all this talk about "pinball's resurgence," it feels pretty precarious to me.

I worked there during the transition. The new philosophy wasn't winning over the bargain-obsessed middle-class women that make up the base of JCP shoppers. They used to bug me every day.

Them: What happened to the coupons?
Me: We stopped doing the coupons.
Them: I liked the coupons,
Me: I know, but it's simpler this way.
Them: Yes, but the prices are so high now.
Me: No ma'am. That $35 pair of jeans retailed for $50 normally. It's just that no one bought it until it went on sale for $30, and you personally wouldn't buy it until it went on clearance for $25. It's basically on sale all the time now.
Them: So it won't go on clearance?
Me: No, it could still go on clearance.
Them: Then I'll wait. (leaves without buying anything)
Me: ...
Me: *sigh*
Me: Maybe I should go to graduate school.

It's psychology. Those women enjoy seeing their total go down. $100 subtotal. $10 off weekly coupon. $90. $10 earned reward. $80. $15 birthday certificate. $65. 20% off for using your card. Final total: $52. You saved $48. And with every beep their eyes light up. It's like a shot of serotonin.

Back to pinball. I agree that space and money are the two main limitations in this hobby, but I think that people will run out of space first. Not because you guys are Richie Rich, but because I think you can earn money fairly consistently and save up for a machine you want, as opposed to blowing out a wall.