I took a while to find a hobby to keep my 40 year old self entertained and happy.
I had no idea about pinball, since I played Addams family in college back in 1991 and Elvis at Chuckee cheese 5 years ago,at a kids birthday.
I stumbled upon Pinside and boy the whole thing is FUN! The people are friendly, smart and really funny,and if you have a pin you are in. What is awsome is You can play with pins unlike other hobbies. You can not play with a Baseball card or boxed vintage toy, nor would you read a comic book over and over 50 times.
My wife and kids play, also. Wife got 350 million on Stargate the other night, I was so proud! How many hobbies can a whole family enjoy?

I learned If you want to fight for a "deal" on Craigslist or struggle to get you name in for a $8000 LE you can. If not just pay close to retail prices from nice collectors who care and if you sell later for a few hundred less- no big deal. Just enjoy the play and the people and don't get caught up in the steals and the hype.
Great post. Thanks