My sentiments, exactly.

I haven't bought a pin in some time. I don't have the cash on hand to justify plunking down $8-10K on new machines, and there are a few I would not mind having. I'd love to have a TBL, but that is another story in it's own right. Just as importantly, I don't have the room. I own only three games, in addition to four arcade games and the space they consume, not to mention upkeep, adds up fast. My Stern Lord of the Rings, I bought used, from a seller that was a private owner, but had to make space in his home because a child was on the way.

Arranged shipping through North American Van Lines, after talking to the seller on the phone. The game was like NIB condition when I received it. It even smelled new. My Fireball II was an ebay auction for a dead machine. $300 plus the cost in fuel to drive and pick it up. My D&D was $900, plus $300 to ship via NAVL, also via an ebay auction.

I believe I got a great deal on that LOTR pin, with shipping only came to $4800. Seems like a deal now, inflation notwithstanding. And with the exception of the destroyed Fireball II playfield, the other two playfields were in excellent to remarkable shape. These games aren't cheap, this hobby isn't cheap.

When plunking down a crap ton of money, one has every reason to expect the playfield, the most important part of the game, to be in a condition that reflects the aura of professionally made and assembled with pride. Buying an older game is one thing, wear should be expected. NIB games, not so much.

For the kind of money we're discussing here, you are probably spot on with your analysis for the future. One other thing, that I believe is worthy of note: my machines are personal machines only. I won't sell them, unless life takes me to a place where I have no choice. So when I buy one, I buy it to keep.

speaking of pooling and chipping, there was no way I was going to burn this, so I framed it

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