Quoted from T-800:

Guesstimate on STERNS’ SMVE Upgrade Costs – Values taken from retail pricing (Pinball Life, Marco, etc.)
LEDs vs Incandescents: approx. 150 bulbs in the game x ($0.30/LED - $0.07/bulb) = $34.50
Service Rails $43 vs Service Posts $10? = $33
Shaker Motor $100 vs No shaker motor $0 = $100 (real cost is probably more around $40)
Laser Cut Side Rails $42 vs Standard Rails $30 = $12
Metal Apron $75 vs Plastic Apron $42 = $33
LED display $195 vs Plasma display $199 = $4 savings
New Protectors vs No protectors = $20
Totals $228.50 in upgrades at RETAIL pricing.
Anyone who has ever sold anything knows that there is typically a substantial markup over cost, so just imagine what the true cost of these “upgrades” really are. Also, with the recent transition to SPIKE it’s clear they can’t come out with a NEW design with old technology (SAM), what better way to get rid of old inventory (that would otherwise be worthless other than as replacement parts) by releasing a vault edition and avoid additional cost to procure those parts.
If STERN wants to charge this much for their games then so be it - just don’t treat me like I’m an idiot by trying to justify it by telling me it costs that much more. Let’s vote with our wallets and keep pricing where it should be.