A lot of posters here are talking about PRO features and then quoting the MSRP of LE machines ($7K+). The LEs do include more than most of the past machines (powder-coated or chromed trim, shaker motors, custom art, mirrored real backglasses, LED lighting) plus some of the traditional features like the lock bar mech and the under-playfield rails.
Some parts of traditional games were likely over-engineered and what's wrong with righting this? In other words, does an apron NEED to be steel? It holds price cards and directs drained balls to the outhole. The plastic ones are practically over-engineered! If lighter gauge wire suffices for a current-load, what's the problem? Is there really a mechanical problem with the pop bumper caps?
Stern's board sets seem to be rock solid which in my opinion is number 1 in importance....haven't really heard of the thinner gauge wire breaking or coming loose at solder joints, haven't heard of aprons catistrophically failing (lol), no burnt connectors in the head, etc......just seems like a lot of folks like to complain. Don't buy their products if you don't feel there is value there.