When I heard about a starfield playfield projector, I thought of some kind of hologram. That would be cool and unique.

I have to say that, although I understand the disappointment that many are feeling about the playfield's familiarity, I'm not too bothered by it. As I figure, there are only really two layouts to modern machines now: two-flipper fans and three-flippers with side ramps. It'll be awfully hard to get away from that without going widebody.

I don't think that's it. I think it is that many people have said that distributors only gave them 24 to 72 hours to pull their pre-order deposit once the table was officially announced by Stern. The problem is that with Stern leaking out only dribs and drabs, people aren't sure whether it'll be worth it, not with two (really four) major questions left hanging:

1) Is there an LCD behind the speaker panel, or is one planned?
2) What is this "Laser Starfield Playfield Projector" and what will it do?

I think that is the main reason that it appears to not be selling out. The flippers were cut out, leaving just actual buyers, and seeing as how the majority opinion on what has been revealed of STLE so far appears to be "Meh," it isn't surprising to hear so many stories of people cancelling pre-orders and distributors having several left to sell. That's why I, like many others, are hoping for more info, because as of right now it's a big question mark.

Sorry I wasn't more clear with my earlier comments. I was talking about BOTH Stern only being interested in making them AND pinball players only really liking those types. I was definitely thinking of CSI's and Avengers' respective failures when making that statement.

In any event, I don't think the laws of physics limits nonSuperpins to only two effective designs.

I don't either, but can Stern really afford to try something that different? Can they afford NOT to? I don't envy Steve Ritchie's job, because he knows that the fans are looking at his work with very critical eyes. How long did it take STLE to go from "most anticipated pinball machine" to "STTNG/SM rehash"? 3 or 4 milliseconds?

Avengers and CSI struggled not because of poor layout, but of poor quality control and support.

I know of problems with the HULK drop targets, the HULK scoop, the HULK toy arm. Just the whole...HULK...area, really. I have not heard about any problems with CSI, though. What happened there?