Even in the 90s I don't remember pinball being huge. Any arcades always had far more vids than pins. Crowds were always around vids. Same now. Most people don't really get pins but may play a game or two. Same goes for today. Doesn't help that pins are very expensive. I think pinball will always be a niche thing and that isn't necessarily a bad thing.

A local place is building an arcade. They have some good pins so I try to make it over there as I can. From talking to the owner, I get the impression that I am one of very few that come to just play the pins. Also obvious when I put my initials up on a not so good game and win replays frequently. He complains how much pins cost compared to your average arcade game. Throw in how much space pins take up and the maintenance it just doesn't make sense to have pins unless you are passionate about them. Hell, I sometimes feel a bit silly having pins in my house knowing how much I spent on them. Totally ridiculous but that's one of the things I like about the hobby.