Quoted from metallik:The switch is built in to the power supply already. It's much easier to just cut a hole in the head for that switch, than to open each power supply and wire up a remote switch. Also would invalidate the power supplies' UL rating and would require additional work to certify the remote switch.
I might be naive, but I really don't think the power switch thing boils down to cost-cutting. I think you are onto something with regard to the idea that a remote switch requires mods to the PSU which might jeopardize UL (and CE) compliance.
I also wonder if there could be technical issues with locating the PSU in the cabinet such that the switch is in the traditional location. Is it possible that the longer wire runs which would be required for logic power supply sections (assuming the main board stays in the backbox) would have higher risk of picking up deleterious EMI/RFI?
I have played GB pro at three locations over the past month (one locally in OKC, one at the Pinball Museum in Vegas, and one at NY NY in Vegas), and really looked hard for defects. All three played flawlessly (though my scores mostly sucked). The game at Cactus Jack's did not have any apparent flaws with anything. The game at NY NY might have had slight ghosting around a couple of inserts, but was otherwise 100% intact. The game at the Pinball Museum could use a bit of light cleaning and had a couple of dim GI bulbs, but no playfield problems that I could find (on another note, I went in walking on eggshells based upon some Pinside posts which suggested the owner was something of a crotchety burnout, but he was perfectly welcoming and nice to my sons and I and we all had a great time). Also, mission accomplished with my wife; she loved the game and gave me the green light to pull the trigger on a Premium, and I continue to feel damn lucky to have married so well!