Nobody gives a crap about my opinion on this, so feel free to ignore it.

Steve, I have tons of respect for you, but in this case you are confabulating newbie reactions with the truth that Stern uses softer less expensive wood in some games. I don't think you are stupid, please grant me that same courtesy. If you needed it, I could probably compile a list of games where Stern used softer wood, and I'm betting I'd be pretty close to the "behind the scenes" view that you have of the actual playfield processes and materials used in them. There is no need to sweep it under the rug. All Stern needs to do is not use the softer cheaper wood and people will stop complaining. Will dimples always happen? Duh, of course they will. It's a steel ball. HOWEVER the actual dimple itself varies greatly in size and depth. Those little ones that smooth out, nobody should care. The craters that end up looking like the moon that will NEVER smooth out? Those are the ones people care about. Don't sell us out as you sell yourself out.