I get some incredulous looks from friends.

They are all athletes and own ridiculous amounts of gear - cars, bikes, climbing gear, skis, on and on.........
I have much of the same gear. When I purchased my first game, several of my buddies nearly crapped their pants. (???) We can spend $7K on a bicycle - no problem. But they had a FIT over what I spent on a game. I'm as much (or more) of a hard-core athlete as any of them but I don't see myself riding any harder or better on the next generation bicycle.

Then, I hosted guys' night out. Perspectives were changed after a good meal, a few bourbons, and a few games.
Pinball night is now officially on the radar and I need to figure out how tournament play is handled (never been to an organized event in my life).
On another note, my parents come to the house to visit quite often now. Having pinball has really helped to bring our family back together at the social level. Nothing like a few friendly games to get the laughter and good times rolling. We've come from only gathering at the Holidays to frequently gathering throughout the month on a fairly regular basis.

So........for the cost of a game.........I see myself as having a win situation on a number of levels.