I think what a lot are saying on here is that if you started out from scratch on a new game, you would have design and layout cost figured into the cost of the machine. With a VE machine they do not have that cost or if they have some it is definitely a lot lower in the cost of the machine.. So what does stern do, add a few things such as new side rails. and charge a premium price. Cant tell me they are make a bigger profit on this machine verses another new pro or even a new premium. there is a lot of money spent in this hobby and they are just trying to make a bigger profit on us with less input cost on their VE machines.. I own a iron man VE and there is no way they have $2100 dollars more cost in this new VE. I have always wanted a spidey pin but sometimes you just got to say enough is enough. guess I will just wait to buy one after someone is done with theirs.. just my 2 cents..