I remember we were all outraged over the $7000 WOZ price tag...then it went to $7500 and then $8000. This act opened the door for Stern to realize if JJP can sell at these prices so can we. Now we have $7900 Stern LEs and $5000 Pros with a shitload of parts stripped out of them. Yeah I guess they came up with an innovative cost cutting process. Think about it the same machines for 25% higher prices and lower BOMs. At least JJP has some nice toys in their games, what does Stern have? A floating head in a barn...do nothing Gene Simmons head and don't get me started on GoT pro. I just hope DP keeps making pins..now that everyone is selling 8k games at least DP is making some thing that looks like it's worth 8K.

Not sure why you need a BOM to be convinced that the costs have not risen in proportion to material prices. You don't need to see Stern's BOM cost to figure out the new metal backbox saves money, the elimination of the service rails saves money as does the relocation of the power switch, don't forget the removal of the lockdown bar. The spike system etc...etc...

To give you an idea Pinsider Flashinstinct had a good post were he added up the prices of all the parts, however some of the estimates were a bit high. I suspect the cost for a pro is comfortably below $2K. Many of us have commented on the price hikes over the past 3-4 years, we can't all be high. As far as DP...they technically already shipped a product, BOP 2.0. Judging by your collection and time here I'm guessing you're new to the hobby, wait till you see TBL, it will be a treat.

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/actual-cost-of-a-pinball-machine

Because in a tight space the power button is not easily accessible, second there was always plenty of circuitry in the head...not just now. You also left out the service pegs added value over the rails...they save a lot of weight over those pesky metal rails.

Oh I almost forgot love the decals on the cabs, who the hell needs that crappy silk screen stuff anyway.

Well, let me get back to you on that...But I do put a lot of stock in your opinion.