Well, with their "Pro/LE" schemes they are targeting the HUO people, but not really showing them a whole lot of respect. They figure many of those people will pay two grand extra for some additional dingleberries, and so far, they seem to be correct.

My problem with Stern is that Stern does not really make pinball machines. Even if they were the only "pinball manufacturer" that statement isn't accurate. IMO, Stern makes billboards for movies, cartoons and other corporate brands that just so happen to be pinball machines. Stern doesn't do any innovating whatsoever. In the glory days of pinball, manufacturers were constantly trying to come up with innovative playfield designs and features. Stern has been re-hashing the same stuff over and over for the last 10 years, but slapping different corporate brands on the box.

It's a shame too, because Stern could create some great games if they wanted, but I think they're on auto-pilot. I'm not necessarily convinced JJP will crank out more titles than WOZ.. that remains to be seen, but that game will definitely come out and everyone knows it. The real shame is how Gene and the other rights holders for the WPC stuff can't put out another P2K title. IMO, Wizard Blocks would kick everyone else's ass if it could come to market.