I would rather have one project than 2 working games...
I dont play, I just fix/restore

I agree with Scott. I’d also add that new games are a dime a dozen... they all are becoming fairly similar in some way or another, many literally fall apart, and generally lack the wonderful detail a lot of older games have (specifically 90’s Bally Williams)

Also, there is something special about having a pristine classic example of a game, and furthermore being the one who brought it back to life.

I like cosmokramer probably work on pins more than I play them

This is one of those instances where you can have your cake and eat it too. Save a lot of cash and still relatively restore a pin to its former glory. Is it going to look new, no. But it can look damn good.

Here are three EM's (still finishing up 'Big Deal') that I have relatively little $ investment in (though a lot of time). I get compliments on how they look and play. Several folks have made significant offers to purchase which I have declined. Mainly for two reasons. 1- I know how solid they are play and condition wise. 2 - As some folks have already pointed out, I get a lot of pride out of knowing I brought them back from the dead.

1973 Williams Gulfstream - https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/1973-williams-gulfstream-restoration
1941 Genco Argentine - https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/1941-genco-argentine-restoration-video#post-6098823
1977 Williams Big Deal - https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/1977-williams-big-deal-barn-find-#post-6153168

Also I have several SS pins that have been brought back to life for less then half the cost of a repro PF. Gottlieb Victory being the most recent example. I have yet to post this restore.

Do you enjoy tinkering with and restoring machines? If you are having fun fixing them up, go for it! I personally have never done the full restore, but have done playfield swaps and all sorts of touch up. I personally take pride in leaving every pin I rotate through my basement nicer than I found it. If you are not having fun with it, stop. I would personally recommend sticking to one project at a time, but there is nothing wrong with fixing pins up, and future generations of nerds may thank you for it.

I like working on EM pins cause it doesn't cost me hardly any monies to fix them. Board work sucks. Have my first NIB coming next month...can't wait! Playing pinball > fixing pinball.

For me its restore. Enjoy the process and the way I've done it so far,
not expensive. Just time consuming.

You also have to remember that for some people, it's much easier to spend 4K-6K over the course of a year or 2 (and have 3 pristine games) than it is to drop that same money at one time on one game. Plus the restoration process can be as fun, if not more fun, than playing a new game. Given the choice of 3 restored early Bally SS games to one new Stern/JJP/etc, I'd take the 3 Ballys any day of the week (depending on which ones of course )

I've also had this same conversation with my wife about house improvements.

"Man, we have XXX dollars worth of games in our basement. We could use that money to remodel our kitchen, or redo our back patio." But then we both look at each other and know deep down inside, we would both rather have a basement full of games.

Pole?

This was your question was it not?