Quoted from ExtremePinball:

See, that's the problem. My SW pro, the last time I checked it, had 9 ghosting inserts at 1,900 plays. But then I was at the PHoF this week and played Tim's SW pro. No ghosting inserts. And he got his a week or two before I got mine.
So there is clearly still a risk in buying NIB Stern games. I think that justifies the current Stern bashing. But that's just my opinion after recently having 3 defective playfields with 6-9 ghosting inserts.
So bash on.
Disclaimer: I am not a collector. I am not looking for solutions or any suggestions regarding these games. They are only commercial workhorses to me. I've stated this explicitly in another thread..... I DON'T CARE. But others do. So I'm only providing facts based on my experience as an operator, and former collector, so that others can make an informed decision before laying out ever growing sums of money.

Quoted from beelzeboob:

That's the game that gets played the most in my house. Added new speakers and a subwoofer and tweaked the cheap drains. It's really a great game and the impending code update will only make it better. Next time you're in Jersey...

Quoted from gweempose:

SAM
And for those of you who aren't happy with the products that Stern is pumping out, I have just one piece of advice ...
Stop buying their games!!!
Seriously, this is the only way the situation will ever improve. I know so many guys that constantly complain about Stern's crappy code or lack of quality control, and yet these same people pre-order every LE. It's absolutely ridiculous!

Quoted from flashinstinct:

Just pointing things out that's all. Again ST as the magnet to help the toy. The castle has the draw bridge and the moving towers and has the gully in front. I'm comparing them because boob's said they were the same, which they are not. I'm pointing out the differences in intricacies of each mech.
Some people will like SW..hell I absolutely love TF....to each his own I guess but if you think Stern keep pulling shit like this for the next few titles... I would say no.
Now, if Stern impresses me on their next game will I be in? Sure, if the gameplay, code depth and features are to my liking, they will get my hard earn money...about 10-12 months after release. If not...pass...it's that simple. I'm far from confused and make educated purchases based on what I like and the depth/progress of the game. As it stands now if JJP releases Toy Story (again personal choice, pending if it's awesome) or an epic title come this expo. Stern is in deep shit in my pocket book because my money will go to them.
If someone loves SW, who am I to stop them from buying their dream theme. I just love the people that bitch about people bitching about SW (tongue twister) and then turn around and bitch about SW lack of features.... It's just completes the circle.
BOM aside SW just looks like the biggest Stern cash grab of all times.

Quoted from tamoore:

Maybe 1.3x the game would be more accurate? I'd rather play TNA, for sure. Looks more funner-er, despite not having ramps.

Quoted from Doctor6:

If people watched how shitty star wars looked in video and STILL bought it.... thats on them. We shouldn't tell people what to buy and what not to buy. They have eyes of their own, too.

Quoted from flashinstinct:

Nowhere is an option. Keep what you have and be content. You are not required to always buy something

Quoted from tamoore:

Maybe 1.3x the game would be more accurate? I'd rather play TNA, for sure. Looks more funner-er, despite not having ramps.

Quoted from jimy_speedt:

The original question was ...
"Stern bashing justified ? "
For me, the answer should be "Yes". Means that they have to move their a** to provide better innovative product and better quality.
Beyond that, .... nothing

Quoted from mesmashu:

Why do you care so much about people that care so much? Let people be passionate about pinball however they want. This forum should be a safe haven for anything/everything pinball. If negativity bothers you, stay away from these types of topics. But don't judge people because they feel negative about a product and are being passionate about it. You don't care... great. Other people do and it's ok for them to discuss it here.

Quoted from Colsond3:

Eliot Spitzer was.

Quoted from fosaisu:

No dispute re: costs continuing to rise for new pinball owners, but I question the "condition wise" thing. I would guess that it's much harder to find beat up (and cheap) versions of pre-2000 games than it used to be, because so many of them have now been cleaned up, fixed up, or restored. So while the average TZ or IJ isn't selling for $2,500 anymore, it's also probably in significantly better shape than the average TZ or IJ you would have bought 20 years ago.

Quoted from frunch:

Well, i was following Stern more closely when i was in the market for a GB Premium, and those were the most common problems i saw cropping up. I was totally sold on it until i started hearing about quality issues (and incomplete code) and decided to steer clear. As someone who will probably only ever buy one NIB game, i felt like i really dodged a bullet on that one. If their construction quality is improving, that's certainly a plus. Just seems too risky to me, where i feel a lot more comfortable plunking down about $6500 shipped for a TNA. Quality construction, complete code, awesome game. (Not for everyone, i realize! It seems to be somewhat polarizing in the community) Thankfully we're living in times where there are multiple manufacturers producing games!
If there's that much evidence that puts all (or even most) of those concerns i listed to rest, then that's great for buyers, and great for pinball! As it stands, i think Stern bashing is justified because i believe we should expect more from these games as prices seem to continually rise. I interpret a lot of these quality control issues as products of doing things faster and cheaper. Maybe I'm wrong, but it fits in perfectly with the rest of the consumer electronics industry that I've experienced (I'm an appliance repair guy and i've seen the exact same cost-cutting measures being taken with appliances over the past 30+ years)...