Because George does good work, and this game has a totally restored and cleared playfield, restored light box panel, new waterslide decals, new cabinet and backbox decals, and I’m imagining by the time he’s done several other upgrades.
If those things don’t increase the value of this example to you, at least a little, it will for most other collectors. After restoring some games myself, I would definitely pay a little more for a very nice example with upgrades, especially a bright refurbished and clearcoated playfield with absolutely no wear.
The high end in the archived values here is only $1610, and I’ve seen several of these sell for around $1400 or $1500 in just OK condition. By the time he is done with this, it will be far nicer than any of those examples that I’ve seen. Therefore commanding at least a mildly and/or reasonably increased value.