I am interested in this topic. I love pinball, but I'm just not very good. I've owned games for five years, but can't progress far in most of them.
In any endeavor, be it sports, music, arts or business, there are certain requirements to excel.
1. Talent/aptitude. You just can't elbow grease a substantial lack of it. As I recently read about being a navy seal, "There are miles between perception and reality".
2. Commitment/practice. Those who work at it regularly will improve and sharpen their skills.
3. Luck/timing. A small but important factor in competition and performing.
Regarding the first two, those who have an abundance of both are rare and legendary. Those with at least some of one and lots of the other will frequently stand out and excel.
Those with little appritude and no commitment will only occasionally get lucky.
So what's my issue. I don't seem to have natural ability. Realistically, I only play my games about once a week for maybe 15-20 minutes. Despite that, I really enjoy the social aspect of pinball. I've decided to start entering tournaments and participating when I attend shows. Watch out pinball world!