The "Warranty" is pretty clear that they don't cover the playfield (much really). I *think* they consider the playfield a wear and tear item. Much like tires on a car: if they wear out it's not the manufacturer/dealer issue to replace for free. So, if you have ghosting or other issues, it's completely up to Stern's discretion if they will do anything about it. I'm sure there are some other consumer protection "things" that go into receiving a new defective product, but I don't know what those are precisely.

Here is a quote from page 55 of the Star Wars Pro Manual:

STERN PINBALL INC LIMITED WARRANTY
Stern Pinball Inc (‘SELLER’) warrants only to the initial purchaser of its
products that the items listed below are free from defects in material
and workmanship under normal use and service for the warranty period
specified:
• Printed circuit boards (game logic): 2 months
• Dot Matrix Display boards: 9 months
No other parts of seller’s product are warranted.

Stern is trying to protect themselves form the greedy bastards that what to sell there machine and not take a bath because the playfield has ghosting? Really? You can't possible believe what you wrote, can you?

It's a CYA maneuver so they are less culpable. They don't have to do anything regarding ghosting as the playfield isn't covered under warrantee. I think it's great that they are actually replacing some playfields. That way they can be the "good guys" by replacing a part they don't even warrantee out of the goodness of their heat.

My guess is, sadly, it's jut a matter of time before they stop doing that and point to "ghosting is normal" an call it a day.