This is the most exciting time in pinball from my 8+ years in collecting. JJP and Stern are making great games. Lots of cool boutique pinball makers, tons of pinball parts (including repro parts) are available. Sure prices are higher on new and A list machines but that's really all relative. Most machines prior to 1990 are still available to buy for cheap prices. Just use your head and buy smart and you should have nothing to worry about. I'm way more optimistic for the hobby than I was in 2008/2009 when Stern was laying everyone with talent off and releasing games like NBA.