Oh, I like this thread! The anti thread to that other one.
Yes, what is the benefit to cheaper pinball? More people playing pinball!
What is the benefit to more expensive pinball? People hoarding machines and no new players dropping in a quarter to learn the games because they now cost a couple bucks.
Look at the pinside map of pinsiders. How many cities would a $12k machine be able to put on route? NY, LA, SF and nowhere else.
It doesn't make sense. Older games had a better price point. There are a few more features and a big increase in price. Greedy manufacturers seeing how high they can go.