Some mods add value. PDI glass. Color DMD. Eli ramp mode on Tron. Some toppers. Etc.

Do you think this was what they were testing out when they put the language on the manual about playfields ghosting being normal?

But likely is from a rusty or dented ball not being replaced. No matter how high of quality the wood and clear coat / diamond plate is, a damaged ball will bring it down to the bare wood quick.

Totally correct; that said, many of us want to see Stern take a risk or two on the layout and try something new. As for code, the Stern games that are best coded have all been hits (Tron, IM, Met, TWD, LOTR, AC/DC, GOT), but Sterns commitment to code does seem to be hit and miss.

Stern has the vast majority of the best coded games in pinball history. That said, too many games have been left behind by Stern for this to be a selling point on new releases for them (no one wants a mystery hole role on whether the code will be completed).