Because of EPA regulations concerning VOC emissions Manufacturers were "Encouraged" to work with less volatile materials, hence water based coatings.
If they continued with the older, harder more durable clear coats it would involve a higher priced Permit, result in a Hazardous Waste (Flammables, Reactives) waste streams and more frequent inspections of facilities by the EPA.
Water-based coatings have come a long way but are not yet as DURABLE as the older finishes.
Face it, Nitro lacquer, Isocyanates, xylene solvents are on their way out, so we must learn to live with the "Greener" alternatives.

Coating adhesive is pretty simple (but Manufacturers want to make it complicated, so you will purchase their Proprietary Coatings).

Does the substrate ( bare wood, previously coated wood, etc) have an etched, uneven or pitted surface when viewed under magnification?
Are the etched, uneven or pitted surfaces free from contaminants?
Good, the coating can bond to it.
Uncompatible inks, paint or waxes, including silicones are unacceptable. Aerosol silicone contamination from adjacent work areas won't work.
Glazes, preservatives or polishing bare wood substrates during Manufacturing must be corrected.
Temperature swings in the Manufacturing Environment (Open dock doors, too much air conditioning) can be critical.
The stuff they are using (if its what I think it is) requires STRICT Preparation, Application in a Climate Controlled Room.
The same rigid requirements must be met to cure properly.
Use of these clear coatings has been a learning curve the past 10 years, not only Pinball but anything with a Clear over it.
Unfortunately application on a Play Field is perhaps the most demanding application requiring durability and high wear.

Duh!

Depending upon the States Regulations small-quantity generators of hazardous waste do not receive the same scrutiny as the big players.
A measurement of total VOC produced (aerosols and vented liquid supplies) could place them in the small producer category, a great advantage for profits without undue Regulation.
Many times Companies are Grandfathered in until they use remaining supplies of the Haz variety if they have promised to convert over to the water based.
I cannot say with certainty these observations apply to these Companies .

Yeah, I wish we could import non-EPA diesel Toyotas from Australia here too, its not fair we have to suffer because of all these unnecessary regulations.

The clear they are using is being applied too thick during "Open time" of the coating in order to eliminate another step in the process.
Multiple thin coats, followed by drying and then light sanding before the next coat would fix this issue.

Another selling term can be added to HUO, Home use out of box, etc. "Non Pooling Version".

If those seals were ugly nobody would care.