Observation. Pinball is an inherently expensive hobby.
I'm very much new to it, so if I could draw comparisons to something I know more about....
I have a humble little Italian sports car.
In base spec is was amazing back in 1993. Ahead of its time. A few years later, they changed the engine, upped the power, improved the handling, made subtle but brilliant little style changes.
They called it a limited edition. It cost a bit more to buy.
It became the ultimate one to have, will only ever increase in value and be remembered as the best version in the final iteration of a great product. So I bought one after production ceased. It became a cult classic. And for me, some years down the line, hopefully a good investment.
BUT... its bloody AWESOME to drive, simply nothing like it. I love it.
So I gather the original SM was superb.
It's now had a modernisation, a complete overhaul, looks great... and comes at base price that's at a premium because the product warrants it, as far as I can see. It's not as if its HUGLEY more than another Stern machine is it? Certainly not when I do a USD to GBP conversion.... that will make you weep!
Anyway, I'd have one! I get excited over things I have no chance of owning!