No, that cut out has been there since the ramp was used in Austin Powers. They wouldn't have been so silly as to sell a game where the ball could easily get stuck on a ramp and not have any way to get free unless they called a tech out.

I feel like I should add this - for me, no question, non-VE. Two reasons for me...

1) I won 1st place in the B division at the only IM release party, on the non-VE game, so that was bad ass.

2) I am yet to own another Stern 'new backbox' design, and while I think it's cool, I like the way the old one looks in the line up right now.

I am glad the Monger has the light in him now. When I got mine, I was surprised to find out he didn't, it seems so natural.