not at all
pinball is meant to be fun, if features are not working, or the game does not feel right, then you will not have fun

if it is not fun fir the casual player, then they write off all pinball as no fun

If a pin is misaligned, missing pieces, or having issues, I could lead to a miserable experience. I like to go to places that keep their pins in great shape, it makes the experience much more enjoyable. Like a previous poster said, what if your first few experiences playing pinball were half broken machines, you probably wouldn’t bother playing much.

I was at a barcade a couple of years ago and the pins were so horribly leveled that I almost turtled them then and there. Couple more beers and I probably would have. It was so bad, balls that you thought were falling down to the flipper ended up sdtm.

I find it extra frustrating when you find a game you’ve never played before, and you spend most of your session trying to figure out all the rules only to find half the shots don’t register.

I wish there was a button code you could tap in to see what switches are down...

Its been refreshing to see more care going into the Barcades these past couple of years. Typically, someone comes out weekly for light maintenance, waxing, etc.
Its annoying seeing pins neglected or abused in the wild. I will only go to Barcades that i know service their machines weekly, or repair the machine quickly.

Of course, I’d prefer a well set up machine in perfect condition, but I’m also kind of nostalgic for the days when I’d while away my lunch hour in pizza joints on machines with “features” that I’d eventually become an expert at working around. Like they say, if you can’t be with the one you love, love the one you’re with.

I’m lucky to be close to two great pinball places, CP and Padavans. But, one place nearby, Two Plumbers, has gotta have the worst pinball setup I’ve ever seen in public. No lighting, horribly setup, and ownership doesn’t care as the Pinball Map reviews have stated it, and it never changes. Shitty pinball barcades are the worst!

If something isn't right then ask for their log book and write it down. Any place worth going to will have one. My last visit I logged a shooter rod that was so sticky you could barely get a ball out of shooter lane. And one game with no sound. But with as many pins as they have it was only a tad annoying at best.
And if I go back in a few days I am sure issues will be looked at as I wrote them down.

It's frustrating but great practice for tournaments to learn to play "as is". It will absolutely make you a better player to learn to adjust to a badly set up or maintained game.

Me too.