Good post Rob. I think that sums things up quite nicely.
The Stern node boards are what scare me. I know others are doing similar boards but Stern charges hundreds of dollars for what are for many throwaway boards. And newer versions aren’t always backward compatible. Don’t know what I do in a few years when one stops working on my Batman 66 and replacements aren’t available and/or cost a fortune. Also makes me think twice whenever I think I want a new Stern.
The JJP QC concern is valid. I don’t know anyone with a JJP game that hasn’t dealt with something out of the box. Every game can’t be perfect but they need to be better.
Thanks for all you do for this hobby.