Bristow, VA
Quoted from CrazyLevi:Making home games easy is stupid and serves no real purpose besides making you tire of a game faster.
Some do it in an ill-concieved attempt to win over wives, kids, and guests, though I don't see how it helps.
For me it's strictly factory settings with buy-in turned off.
i agree with turning off buy-in -- seriously, what is the point on a game set to free play? 
but as for making the game easier in a home environment ... hey, it's your game, do whatever you think is the most fun for you and your guests.
Having said that, I think I am basically in agreement with you, Levi -- I prefer a tougher, shorter game that requires more discipline for me to do well. Keeps my skills honed. Keeps me from flailing and hoping.
And I think with guests, there is definitely an argument to be made that the last thing you want to do is bore them with a long game that they just walk away from. A tougher game might give them more appreciation for or incentive to develop a modicum of skill. get them more excited if/when they actually do hit multiball or a wizard mode or whatever.
