I think most of the criticism comes from those that either never bought a nib Stern to begin with or no plans to buy one anytime soon. People been saying that sort of thing for a while but yet Stern can't keep up with demand. No one is happy about higher prices and qc issues but pinball has never been a sensable hobby. Whether a pin is $4000 or $150000, most normal people think that is completely nuts. Yet some pinheads think one pin is a deal for $8500 and another a ripoff at $5500. People buy LE's when you can get the exact same game for much, much less in a premium. But wait, the side art and backglass are a little different. Makes no sense yet here we all are.