I love posts like this! Discussing the economy of machines out in the wild, how they were intended to be. Discussions like this must have happened all the time back in the day. These are big toys that were designed to make money, not remain in perfect condition over 20 years.

The duel of fates that resides now is also interesting. A game that inherently causes wear and tear vs. collectors trying to keep them mint. So many other collectors have it easy. They just stick stuff in shelves. But pinball begs to be played. That's why it's so amazing.

25 cents a game is too low! Those are 1983 prices!