I hear you, and I, normally a willfully "eternal optimist", must admit I too am getting a little discouraged at this point. I have been in the market to buy 1-2 NIB games for almost a year, but have been somewhat paralyzed by indecision because every time I think I have decided upon which title(s) to get I come here and read these QC horror stories and it simply deflates all the enthusiasm. (Note that I understand and have no problem with the idea that NIB pins need a little tweaking, but NIB issues with critical stuff like cabinet or playfield integrity is absolutely unacceptable in all circumstances.)

Lately, it seems like an unending merry-go-round of: New game announced-->hype, excitement, and discussion follows-->games delivered-->owners in the NIB honeymoon phase are effusive in their praise-->a few problems start getting reported-->widespread speculation and general gnashing of teeth ensues-->problems begin to appear systemic-->Pinside ethos takes over and the discussion goes on ad nauseam for 80 pages with escalating personal sniping, topic derailment, and ultimately no resolution-->any potential joy is mostly quashed by that point.

Maybe I should pull the trigger on AFMr or MBr? Both titles are on my wish list, but are further down than some of the recent Stern and JJP games; perhaps this is the wisest move to both reduce the risk of disappointment AND scratch the NIB itch.

I feel really bad for the distros too (especially the good guys who consistently have our backs, like JJ); I am sure they are sweating bullets right about now because this is potentially even more of an existential threat to them than to the manufacturers. If you are in the market for any used games, definitely give these guys a shot at your business! (I have been to the GEx showroom three times, and can vouch for the quality of their used games - buy from them with confidence.)

This is unfortunately shaping up to possibly be the biggest systemic problem we have seen in NIB pinball in a long time (maybe ever), and it MUST be addressed sooner rather than later to avoid significant harm to the pinball hobby itself.

Sounds like typical corporate spin to me.

I am only one data point, but last weekend I played a JP Pro and BKSOR Pro on location and both have the clear problems. The JP is less than 30 days old and has the washers, but there is already wrinkling occurring under multiple posts not protected by one (a shame as it is a phenomenal game and I'd pull the trigger in a heartbeat if it were not for this issue). The BK has been there about three months and has some noticeable wrinkling, especially under the posts surrounding the various ramp/BK entrances; of note, I first checked that machine several weeks ago when this first broke and did not find anything at that time, so the damage I just saw had to have occurred during the past month or so.