Too bad Stern doesn't work more closely with this community on their designs for approval .

A virtual playable download perhaps that would mimic what the actual machine would do based on say 1000 plays of the prototype, may work to give players a good idea of the physics.

Players could critique that model. Stern,JJP,DP etc. would then make their adjustments based on the majority vote of flaws by this community in any problem areas revealed.
Using a closed Beta trial to avoid non-pinheads from overexposing the release could work.
We would certainly then get an A machine in a Pro model,which is what we should get in the first place. Any withheld code updates would be pointed out and addressed by Manufacturer to the community as well .

I have to say I was pumped up ready to play TWD before it's release,but my eagerness has waned after reading the reviews. Not really interested anymore.

Yeah,in fact I do play golf,not that it has anything to do with pinball. Really, is it too much work for them to partner with the Pinball Arcade and do a Beta for any machine someone is about to pay the equivalent price of a nice used car for? They wouldn't have to go very deep in the rule set and could set a point limit like Pinball Arcade already does. Hell,download it on your virtual pin for that matter for an even closer simulation.
But whatever,as there seem to be plenty of folks here with deep pockets to take the hit for budget minded people like myself.

Quality control appears to be the main issue from the development of a grade "A" title from Stern aside from the lack of code development at launch. It appears Stern lacks sufficient data to fix flaws such as a slinging magnet drains and a faulty pop bumpers or smash toys that alter the intended flow of the game.

Data collection based on ball times,switches activated,and causes in relation to fast ball drains on a larger scale would help detect unintended results,and give them a chance to modify problems and allow for a more positive game release and possibly a more positive review from this community as a result.