Very interesting read and good advice above. Like the OP, I obsess about getting things I restore to the next level, better than new. After playing a game, I begin thinking how I could make it better, or did I notice something not perfect. I just came from a well maintained pinball parlor. I have met the tech several times. He travels across several states and has a contract with multiple arcades. He has a significant stock of pinball parts, so that he can fix darn near anything. Of course it has taken him years to build up his business and get a great reputation. The point is, that like others have said, Owners only want the machines to collect money. They care less if it has weak flippers, or all the lights work or some targets don't score. I sink my quarters in and play. If I find that there are problems with a machine, I don't give it anymore quarters. Sometimes, I will tell the tech if he is there, that there is a problem. Usually his response is that the machine is not on the owners list, or he might look at it later.

I have had multiple careers in my life and now retired. Jobs come and go. Owners, managers, accountants only care about the bottom line. Especially the cost of employees. I worked in the oil industry for 9 years in Houston. I had 4 companies go bankrupt or get bought out and left me without a paycheck for months each time. What I learned was that it was easier to get hired, if you already have a job, than it is to be unemployed and looking for a job. It is always good to have side job skills (as you seem to have). Stay positive and do what ever it takes to take care of your family.