Got to play this machine a bunch over the weekend, my thoughts:
The Good:
I prefer this playfield layout to the Pro model. The shots feel better, there is far less SDTM drains from failed ramp shots. The captive ball feature is really well done. While the design is 'simpler' the components still feel legit. Flippers are powerful, the shots feel good, so anyone saying this is a 'zizzle' experience can just chill out... Granted I never liked the SW Pro model. The theme was old trilogy, the layout felt un inspired, and in my opinion the features were severely lacking compared to other recent releases like GB or Iron Maiden. Also the SW rules always felt convoluted to me. I'm still not thrilled with the original trillogy theme, but if I were going to buy one, i'd choose the Home edition over the Pro. I actually had fun playing it.
The Bad:
Of the 6 tables I saw at the event, I personally witnessed 5 of them have major mechanical failures that required the techs to open them up for repairs. I get that these were fresh off the line first run machines, but as a product being pitched as a 'home' model for folks not deep into the hobby, I think they are going to hit some rough feedback from customers if the machines don't become more reliable. Your 4K machine can easily become a 5K machine if you have to call a local repair guy to come repair stuff for you a few times. This isnt a slam on Stern's quality, (first run machines ALWAYS have issues) This is a observation about the concept of the product. Personally, I'd agree with comments above that I'd prefer a cocktail table style as a home edition.
My only criticism of the machine other than mechanical issues would be that the rules felt late 70's early 80's at best. I rarely felt i was trying to complete modes, felt more like just racking up points. I do enjoy old games and simple rules sets, but I think they could spice up the experience a little in future code updates.
As for price point, I can see 4K is what stern needs to charge to make money. It's a product that is expensive to produce, and ship. I agree with the previous comments that the price is only an issue because of how its being marketed. The 'average' family does not spend 4K on a toy. the average family doesn't spend 2K on a home computer... which would be used 100x more than a pinball. 4k is the right price for this machine, 'Average' is not the right descriptor of your target audience. But I get it. Marketing.