I think Gary Stern and company are doing a great job. I agree that the materials used in the modern Stern pins don't seem as durable/quality as some of the older pins, but Stern has to cut expenses somewhere and the difference between an "A" and an "A+" quality is trivial at best. Having said that, the concept, dynamics, art, ball flow, fidelity to the theme, overall appearance, and of course cost are exactly what the pinball community needs and wants. Additionally, their customer support is second to none. Gary Stern has taken some financial risks in keeping the pinball community alive and actually growing. We should all support Stern as we continue to save our beloved dream from extinction.