Renton, WA
Quoted from Dkjimbo:I don't have any problem with the "virtual kickback" approach however I will say that there has always been something fun and special when playing a game with a true kickback. Something about the fact that its THE SAME ball being physically rescued and shot back into play is exciting and fun! Having the ball drain and another one launch from the shooter lane completely and momentarily stalls gameplay and shatters any notion of it being the "same ball". many inexperienced players probably don't even realize that its the same ball in play. If it were an option I would always prefer a true outlane kickback.
For me this is what it comes down to. I don't particularly miss a kickback, but it's another thing that interacts with the ball physically. I prefer to watch the ball go to the left and see it shoot out from the left rather then a ball save and have it shoot out from the right.
But, as far as things to be concerned about I think this is low on my list. However, it seems like death from a 1000 cuts: kickbacks, mono-targets, ball locks, magnets, etc.. everything seems to be getting stripped out these days, sadly.
I'm waiting for a pin that has nothing on the playfield that actually interacts with the ball and just uses induction sensors under the playfield for scoring (patent pending). Then I'll rage! 
