I don't understand how pinball collectors aren't getting better at pinball through pure exposure. I had a big arcade game collection and a single pinball machine for years. Over time, as many of us do, I transitioned to a bigger pinball and a smaller arcade machine collection. But over the time period, I got WAY better at pinball. Just playing them makes you better at ball control and accuracy. You understand the common tropes better (lock X number of balls to qualify multiball, complete modes to advance to wizard modes, etc.) the more machines you're exposed to. Why wouldn't you want more out of your machines once you start to understand that?

Collecting pinball machines and having no desire to improve is like buying tons of fishing equipment and still only throwing worms on a hook into a community pond full of stocked fish. You're seriously limiting yourself from how many more aspects the hobby has to offer you.

Pinball is MUCH more satisfying when you're a better player. Try to improve your skills. There are so many games out there that it's really no big deal that stinker games (South Park, Jokerz, NFL, etc.) become overly simplistic to enjoy. Just move on from them and seek a better challenge.

BUT I AM CONFUSED! I don't think I can think of one thing in life that I would enjoy more if I was worse at it. I would find no joy in clanking every shot I took in basketball or by gutter balling everything in bowling. I genuinely want to know what's going on here.