The proto with triple iluminated spinning disc was looking fantastic: a new original take on a classic playfield part. On the production model the opening and closing chest lid and the triple disc were removed/replaced. And the bottom of many pinheads fell from below their feet. Blasfemy, outragious, not done, promises were broken, the list goes on. From this moment on this game deserved to be hated, crucified, burned and avoided at all costs. Well, we know the result. I am in the hobby for 30 years and after the removal of the triple disc, which was indeed a dissapointment, I looked at the games and saw what was left. Still a incredibly impressive machine with a great layout and a truckload of toys. Having some experience does help in this hobby. B/W back in the days also removed playfield parts and toys on their sample and proto games. Finally JJP did the same to improve reliability, nothing new to me. I bought the potc and never looked back.
Can this game ever be remade? Other games were remade too like BBB, the B/W classics and WOZ. I believe POTC will NEVER be remade. There are enough. If you don't own one buy another great machine. Many companies have produced great machines and there is enough to choose from. And every couple of months there are new releases.
If a LE would be remade I believe it will sell in decent numbers for 12k. It IS a great machine and still many people don't even know it or played it enough.