This seems like a fun project for someone that enjoys this type of thing. If nothing else, you'll have a better understanding of your machine and its inner workings for any future maintenance down the road. I realize that this essentially voids the warranty, but if you do end up with clear-coat problems down the road, I should hope that Stern can make an exception in this case. It wouldn't be the first time they made exceptions. If not, I'll certainly have your back in fighting them. And I agree, getting a new playfield from them at this point might just be asking for more of the existing problem.