I don't disagree, but I accept the limitations of what I'm getting from a supplier that is trying to stay in the black. I'm optimistic, so I believe the pinball manufacturers are trying to get a good product built but it's pretty difficult to keep an eye on quality when you farm out major components (playfields, cabinets, graphics stickers, etc) to outside vendors who surely have their own bottom line to worry about. it's also difficult to appease the home-use-only folks like us, as we a $1000+ upcharge for an LE machine only gets a few extra toys and not necessarily improved quality. We all know that a steel ball usually wins when hitting hardwood or plastic. And the folks installing your plastic posts were probably installing your flipper bats earlier in the day and don't have the training, skills, or know-how to not use the same torque from one part to the other.

Early adopters of other technology or limited-production items also can get burned. I bought a low production GM car and it was a PITA. I sold it when it parts for it were getting unobtainable. The first products off of many production lines are often crapola while, if you're lucky, the later ones are better (not bashing JJP, but there are 3 versions of light boards on WOZ...). Good customer service can make the experience better, but it won't fix everything... and there is always someone else who will buy that expensive you if you don't.