Quoted from RobT:Are we supposed to base this on our own personal experience with pins that we own? Or are we supposed to speculate based on what we read on Pinside (which is largely an echo chamber)?
Fair points. Also, what skews results is volume. For example, Stern's annual volume versus Spooky.
Nothing is perfect. Vote based on your experience with games you own, played or friends own.
I've rented a car from National that after driving I know I would never own because knobs were poorly constructed, cockpit felt weird, car had no pickup and it felt cheap. Plus, I read Kelley Blue Book reviews about product issues by other owners. I shared with a friend who owned one my experience and he said "Yup, all true. Live and learn".
Point is, when you enter the echo chamber ignore the noise and listen to the voices and friends you trust - then cast your vote if no personal experience.
I'd love to create a JD Powers like index for Pinball companies. Research actual buyers experience, opinions, results and create a product satisfaction index. Create industry benchmark, etc. In the interim, we have this - flawed as it may - still community opinion. It's also called brand reputation.