Quoted from snyper2099:

I always wondered how many of those that just "collect" rare machines actually even like playing pinball. I know some people that DO PLAY their rare machines no matter how rare the machine... the rest of these "collectors" seem to just hide in the shadows on Pinside... I always wondered if those that hide in the dark the most, play their machines the least.
You know who you are people. Owning HEP machines and playing them 10 times or less in 3 years. Owning other rare machines and setting them up getting them working and then removing the balls because you are afraid of "ball damage". You like owning things no one else owns and you play pinball once a month. Do you cringe when you think that people in the distant (or not so distant) future will actually PLAY your machines because they will then be owned by other people? Heaven forbid people actually play "your" pinball machines and perform a slap save or tilt a ball.
Most very rare machines are rare because they were not great games. A good playing machine is more desirable to own than a dud. Generally, rare machines are duds to play.
You can spend your time and money however you want, but if you hide in those shadows, please don't pretend that you also play pinball in those shadows and that you automatically belong in the conversation with those that like to actually play pinball daily/weekly. Rant over.