Houdini has a few tighter-than-average shots. Some weaker players struggle with those shots and instead of being motivated to improve they sell the pin. Some go as far as to blame the pin for their lack of aim by saying the geometry is broken. Probably best those types get a Monster Bash instead.

Maybe Ericpinballfan is onto something with his instant gratification generation remark.

Personally, I really enjoy pins with some extra-challenging shots, including Houdini. Who wants a pin with no challenge, where Grandma can step up and roll the thing? Apparently lots of people.

Think about which you camp fall into and choose accordingly.

Good point, but there are some neat things that even beginners can easily trigger, like Seance multiball, or starting a stage act. Then there's other things, like locking 3 balls in the trunk, which definitely require some skill. Just a bit sad to see so many who would rather dump it than stick with it as they improve.

On the other hand if one finds it to be truly un-fun regardless then they should dump it.

Interesting. The one at our location earns steady. People dig it.

Wasn't an issue for us. Played well right out of the box.

Why is it people tend to conclude based on a sample size of 1 that it must be the same everywhere? Audiences vary at each location. Pins will fare differently at each location. An operator north of me said Aerosmith was a turd for him. At out location is was quite popular and earnings were above average.

Oh. Not sure, but not in the first 20.