Quoted from Mike_J:

Yep, I doubt they will pull a CGC/PPS.

Quoted from Shapeshifter:

They will sort out the issue as clearly it is a manufacturing issue.
The question is, what will they do to compensate bad, ghosting p/f's?
A replacement p/f would probably be good enough for most I would think.

Quoted from webdiddy:

I don't get all this talk about an operator wouldn't care if they get a playfield with ghosting and clear coat issues.
I mean operators get pins to earn money right? A pin with CC problems would make the pin not last as long and in the end earn less money.

Quoted from DaWezl:

I actually used this situation last night as an example in the marketing class I teach about how challenging it can be for companies to "get it right" when problems arise. It was a great case study bc Stern is still in that brief window where consumers are frustrated but optimistic, yet it looks like there are potentially a lot of complications behind the scenes (technical, legal, etc) that may be limiting their response.
If anyone cares what a bunch of MBA students in CT think, they all pretty much felt that transparency was still the best option at this point, assuming Stern is working towards a resolution. Let consumers know that they've been heard and then keep them up to date on expected timelines for addressing the concerns.

Quoted from kpg:

Yes there is some confusion here.
Initially Trent claimed he would need a check for $5,000 if getting a populated playfield.
I asked if he would just take a credit card instead, then refund or just hold it and he said that would be ok.
It's all good as I talked with my new best friend at Stern Pinball and I have to say my standpoint and anger at the company has done a complete 180*
They are taking care of my situation, without going into details, I'll say that everything is fair and will be handled in the next several months.
I don't want to be the source of info as it might change, but I'll just say that Stern will be working with your dealers and will make this right if your playfield is jacked up.
As far as I'm concerned I'm a happy guy right now and I'll just put a boatload of plays on the defective playfield and let it turn to dust knowing a new one will eventually come.
Thanks to Stern Pinball as they are making it right and hope everyone resolves their problems. They are not ignoring it. Likely they are still figuring out what went wrong and how to make playfields that don't fall apart before replacing with more defective ones.
Until then... my friends and family, and of course myself- will be playing the hell out of it and enjoying the machine. It's a great game.