I have played every game before buying and would not normally break this rule except for certain circumstances. Only broke it once and that was for Kiss LE but I am a huge Kiss fan so it was a must have.
I don’t advise buying sight unseen if you have a small collection and limited budget. But if there is something special you connect with as a theme I wouldn’t tell anyone not to get it.
A lot of people buy in advance on theme and have the money to take the risk. Then there are the flippers that buy on speculation they can flip it for profit. But it’s crazy when people say it’s a dream theme and they don’t even collect memorabilia of that theme…..it’s a theme you like at that point. Lately every theme has been a “dream theme” for some. I feel it’s mostly FOMO and people with money that can buy them as they don’t want to miss out on a hit that appreciates- Like JJP POTC….who wouldn’t spend 10-12K to sell it for 20-30K.

This is pinball and meant to be fun….too much stress worrying about missing out on a game so I don’t worry about being the first on the block to have the next shiny new toy. If I want something I will pick one up down the road.