Very good points, I would like to add... what about the people that constantly post the same praise--over and over. I dont believe in knocking something just to complain about something but sometimes it warrants attention. I also believe you can cause just as much damage by giving something praise when its not warranted. If I read the initial threads from lets say Sterns point of view on how people are claiming best game ever on the first week of launch, do you think I would be hesitant to spend more money and resources adding to the code or any other updates to a game. Remember the code on XM the first month it was launched, now go back and read the best game ever posts. Game has evolved greatly, quite a number are complaining now, but not then.

With the prices of games soaring the last 2 or so years, I have felt some of the needless post praise, in some way may be people experiencing Cognitive Dissonance. By posting its the best game ever, it gets people to agree with their statement; reinforcing their decision.
Its interesting the more prices have hiked the more you see of it, very different view points and the way most express their feelings on Pinside compared to RGP and that going back to the year 2000.

just my .02 cents, take it or leave it,
Scott
Detroit Pinball