Adding a shaker is easy. Plug and play. Install motor and set to run in the menu. I added one right away in my SE.

SE is wired for a shaker. You will love it. You can also adjust the strength of the motor in settings.

Shaker aside, the LE is a beautiful package. Easily the best looking game in my collection. Certainly the SE with the shaker is a great value game. The trim stands out on the LE and the topper is very impressive ( I am not a big topper guy) . They actually pack the topper in this really cool wooden box (FWTIW).

I had the same debate you are having and went with the LE even tho I usually look for value. No regrets at all. That being said, either choice, recommend you set the game up hard. Steep slope, little to zero ball save. The game will stay in your collection longer that way.

Good luck

You can still order the Monster Bash LE machine? How, Where, Avg. Cost?

Talking to some other folks on the hunt for an LE, there is at least 1 (maybe 2?) distributors who have one. no sure exactly WHO, but you can start calling around.