I think a lot of people talk about pinball being a "bargain hobby" just to justify the time and money tied up into it. Sure, it might be a bargain when compared to something like cars or boats ( a couple of favourite comparisons ) but there are a helluva lot of other hobbies out there besides cars and boats.

Camping, woodworking, glass-blowing and gardening are hobbies too. There are 1000's of absolutely free hobbies out there, and a lot of hobbies that families can do together. We need to remember that when talking about pinball as a hobby.

The other thing is, getting your initial money back from a hobby is not the same thing as the hobby being free. Money tied up in pinball machines that are not appreicating at a rate higher than inflation or any outstanding loans you may have are costing you money...money that could possibly be directed elsewhere and to a better end.