If he sells all the LEs which is likely than the rent isn't too high. The question is the rent on the Standards. How many of the 40% that dropped out will jump back in if the distributors start selling Standards for around $6.5k. This will be hard for some LE buyers to swallow given the minimum difference but could certainly happen if there are plenty of "renters" still wanting to move in.

I was in from the start and still am but have questioned dropping out watching all the new pins at Expo. This has nothing to do with MMR but too many great pins and too little room.

That's a question that most businesses need to answer - volume or price. They are probably looking at the Standard to drive more volume if that's their strategy. Giving up price for volume has been the downfall of many businesses, particularly if you have to invest in manufacturing capacities or other fixed costs. While it's fun to speculate, I just don't think we are in a position to second guess their strategy.

Even with all the great new games coming out, if MM was introduced today I think it would more than hold it's own and grab a good share of the high end NIB market. I understand why some long time collectors have moved on, but there are zero pins on location by me, let alone an MM in great shape, so I can't wait to have a NIB one at my disposal.

My guess is that the MSRP for the LE model will still be around $8k but they will have a standard model without things like powder coat and color DMD for less and discount them both from MSRP as needed like Stern. There are definitely a number of collectors that will pay $8k for a new, limited MB or AFM with the right upgrades and a larger pool of buyers at $6-$7k for a standard remake. They don't need to sell 1000's to make it a good, ongoing business once the platform is established. There is also no reason they can't make "vault" runs periodically if a game is holding its value.

If Stern has free capacity on their production line then your math makes a lot of sense. But you are giving no value to the opportunity cost Stern is giving up by tying up a very expensive production line making more remakes vs. new games - or even other remakes that can sell at a higher price.