In regards to the original post, I believe the pinball hobby is very healthy. No matter what kind/era of pinball. Yes, many are way over priced, I blame that mostly on the internet and the sites that ask $2500 for a $550 pin but you'll always have those type sites whether is pocket knives or beer steins. However, more and more people appear to be joining in the hobby. I believe it's those of us in our 40's up through those in their 60's. Project pins are getting harder and harder to find, and their prices are increasing too. 3 years ago there were no "I buy pinball machines" ads on craigslist. Today, there are multiple request to buy machines. Most of these guys are not wanting to add to their collections, they're flipping. If this many flippers are trying to increase their inventory, there's a reason for that. What I'm saying is that the torch will continue to be carried. There will always be new comers to the hobby and those who leave the hobby. My teenage senior in high school had a group of friends over last night, they were all playing pinball . I would rather the hobby appear healthy than to be dying out.
As for Steve at PBR. He's the man. He's a business man. I'm confident he gets nothing free that he sells. I'm sure he's paying royalties to companies that allow him to sell their product on top of having to create their product to sell it. Most of his prices are more than competitive with others, in fact, most of his prices are better. If you want it, he's got it. He is critical to the hobby. I'm not sure I know anyone that has survived in their vocation or hobby at the rate he has and not suffer from burn out. Copyright is copyright. A value meal at the local Arches is approaching $8. I don't have a problem paying $16 for a schematic.