Suspect anyone with an EM has PBRs phone and/or email handy. I always use email, wait for the response of 'confirmed' and have the check ready to send out as soon as the package arrives. One time I got a response of "call me, I have no clue what you are asking for", I made sure I had as much info as possible before I called, five minute phone call and I had the right parts on the way.

Agree with others, it is a rite of passage in pinball.

Guys like Steve is what makes pinball great. Unique personality, incredibly knowledgeable resource who can be incredibly helpful. Like most of us, (LTG being a notable exception) he has limited patience for the clueless. He will be candid and blunt and expects you to have enough info so he can help you. He is old school in every way, and given his product line that totally works for the majority of us.