I am probably one of the worst pinball players on Pinside, but I absolutely love the hobby. Playing, working on machines, watching people play, admiring the artwork, you name it....it's just a really satisfying hobby on so many levels.
I understand there are a lot of "purists" and "players" out there who have been playing consistently for years and want a challenge, I've only been in the hobby for about 3 years, but I have been fortunate enough to live/work/travel to a few places that have a lot of machines. So, I have been lucky enough to play many and own 3.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion of course, but opinion is not fact. The reality is that although maybe the JPOP machines *might* not appeal to some of the true aficionados, out there, discounting the games for what they are makes you come across as sort of arrogant and dismissive...like these machines are beneath you and unworthy of remakes. I play ToM with my 17 year old daughter who is on the autism spectrum and she loves it. We love it. We have a great time playing it. It's a beautiful machine and so much fun to play. Isn't that what pinball is all about? Having fun. Socializing. Realize that if it's "easy" for you that doesn't mean it's easy for everyone else.
Also, would love to know what the expert players think of as the Top 10?