All your points are valid, however keeping costs down should not result in poor quality on a high end product.
So much BS in regards to clear coats, yes a robot will give a more even coat but they are also designed to use "minimal product". Every industry uses the same philosophy to cut costs, just look a the thicknesses of fiberglass boats, I have a swiftcraft explorer about 40 years old, the thickness of the hull is double that of newer boats. Imagine your a boat builder and realize you can make 2 boats with the same amount of product as you have been using for one, would you do it?
If you say your making the best then do it, and if it's not fix it, it's that simple however the pinball industry thinks they are different to any other industry for some reason because a lot of their products are "commercial use". To me the term commercial use should mean that the product whatever it is should withstand heavy use. Imagine a coastal rescue boat being made and the maker says it's only for commercial use" Yes I know two very different industries however the mentality should be the same.
I have a split in the clear of my WOZ (have started a thread) and so far I'm yet to hear from JJP after raising a ticket. I hope they do something about it or it will be my first and last JJP machine, a shame really as they are beautiful machines. Just need to back it up.