Seems like Stern would be best to go back to no clear and just using playfield protectors or back to mylar :p
It is sad when companies feel they can get away with not being customer first. However, this isn't just Stern, this is many many companies these days. The internet has made them tone deaf because of the constant berating by anyone and everyone about every little thing. Unfortunately this hands off approach also hurts the legit people with issues.