This is not to take anything away from those that are upset that the machine they got in November/December has pooling or chipping... but to me personally, I'd be a happy clam knowing that I got to play the most kick-ass pinball machine out while 99% of the people that want one or have ordered one have had no such privilege, even at the cost of the playfield damage.
I guess I'm just that kind of person... play it, have fun, and the cost of playing and potential damage is part of what I'd be dropping $1 bills per game somewhere. Not to mention getting to explore the code and all the new/exciting things/modes and sharing it with people (both the ones that have the game and the masses that wish they did). I could guess that I'd have a few thousand plays on my machine by now if I got one in November... so at $1 a game x 2000, lets say I paid $1500 in entertainment (3/$2 games, free games, etc). If I paid $9500 plus shipping for my machine, I could probably sell my game at not much of a loss... and my entertainment value was well worth it.
And just an observation- the machines I've seen go up for sale (one locally that was not listed here but by word of mouth) EVERY SINGLE ONE has been at a markup over what they paid, even the ones with damage. So I ask you this- why is it that someone who feels so ripped off willing to sell a machine AT A PROFIT to someone else who won't get the same warranty they have? If they personally value the machine at less than market right now because of the pooling and chipping, you certainly don't see them offering them up at a "diminished" sale price.
On top of that, if you can get the $9500, why wouldn't you right now? You know what I've noticed... they are waiting until the machines start in heavy production and when it isn't something so special to own right now, then it's garbage and not worth owning (LOL).
Flame me if you want... but you know I'm right. . I'm just posting this opinion for the sake of conversation as a Pinball player and since I've passionate about the hobby.. whatever makes you happy in this hobby, I'm not here to stand in your way to do so.
Do I wish this wasn't an issue and have I had a jacked up playfield before on a game (Stern)? Yes. Actually, this reminds me of a friend that had a AC/DC with cloudy playfield... he bitched up a storm and almost had a stroke over the window, and Stern ended up sending him a new playfield. When he sold it a few years later, he sold it at full price and I noticed he never mentioned the cloudy window to potential buyers. Guess what he did with the playfield? Sold it at a profit a while after lol. I think I knew a few guys that did this with AC/DC.