So, I'll chime in here and be as constructive as I can be.

I think, and I'm just guessing, that people are getting frustrated because this is truly a premium price for a game with bling. The base game has to be absolutely solid, which you kindly admitted is not. The cabinet had dings or scuffs as well as Sanctum wear. For this price, people are going to scrutinize this sale, knowing the price was $5500 at first, and this price is still high for a Shadow with bumps and bruises. I'm on my phone going into work, so I didnt look for the cabinet flaws - just taking your word for it. If the base game is not absolutely sound for this price, people are going to get up in arms. That's because...

The used market is starting to get out of control. Step back and look: you are respectfully asking - best of my knowledge - the highest asking price ever for a Shadow. This is more than double for one only a couple years ago. There used to be a saying that mods didnt add any value to a game. Now it had reversed: ColorDMD, PinSound, PinStadium, chromed out everything, shooter knobs, custom this, custom that, one of a kind doll supplied on the playfield, etc - all of it is worth something now. Yeah, owners pour some insane money into some pins, and they need to be understanding that the vast majority of the market is not going to feel as warm and fuzzy.

Personally, ColorDMD is the only real mod I look for. Everything else m, I dont care. I'll admit, that gunhandle is nice and there seems to be a new fad with Shadow and re doing the gun. This is the third one I've seen since August to have it re done.

I think, quite frankly, some people are starting to feel priced out of the hobby, and you may be feeling some of their frustration. Doesnt make it right; I am speaking from an objective and neutral position on this particular situation. Back in 2013, if someone told me we'd be seeing $5000+ Shadows in 5 years, I'd wonder how Mars was and how long they lived there.

My thoughts, which are worth 2 wooden nickels in the grand scheme of things.

I'll vouch for this. Your wife was super nice when I picked up JM from you, and you both were extremely inviting and welcoming. I understand and agree that the community has gotten a bit more harsh than it used to be, and I really do think it's the upward pricing making some feel priced out of something that 5 years ago most could afford and enjoy. Definitely starting to cause some internal friction amongst members.

It sure has made me slow down my purchasing, and now when I buy one, it is staying at least for years. Used to buy and sell within 3 months when games were $2000 or so, but now........I make sure I want a game and I hang onto it like gum on a sun-baked street light pole.