Short rant, First of, Thank you to LTG for all you do in helping others getting there games going! JJP for a great game and doing your best to fix the problems coming in!
When I first got into this hobby, I full on expected that I would have to learn things I never knew. Which has both been exciting and rewarding! I learned how to solder and test things on a pin with a DMM, as well as making adjustments to my pins. With a lot of help from other pinsiders and @vidgameseller, I can keep my pins going! And even now I further myself by restoring a F-14 which was a basic barn find.
I knew full well that I was purchasing a NIB pin (my first and only) that it would have problems. Yes it is a expensive toy, but folks should know what they are getting into. Even if its perfect out of the box for a year or more, It will eventually break just as almost everything does. My suggestion is to know or be willing to learn what you are getting into!
Now I will say I can not do it all, as I have had board repair work done on my Space Station and F-14 things I wont do as I cannot bench test them and there are others out there that are a S#$% ton better at it then me, @borygard.
So if you can not fix it then pay someone to do it for you!!!!!!!!
And no, I am not driving to VA to fix your pin for that amount!