I think the correlation is between how comfortable somebody is with a table determines the play style they use.

Another thing to take into consideration is location/atmosphere of the machine.

I know while playing in league if im not familiar with a title i am playing I play defensively. I know if I keep the ball in play my points will go up even if the rules of the table havent clicked yet. By just putting around you find what shots work for you. What shots seem to be dangerous. What shot gives you what and if the risk is worth the reward. Same situation goes into playing on location.

My goal on location is always replays.
My goal in league is always score.
My goal at home is almost always fun factor. (Unless im working on ball control and flipper techniques)

Now if im playing at a buddies house its a similar situation to my house. Im there to have fun, but with a hint of competitiveness. Its always fun to brag and rile the other players up a bit.

With that in mind. I guess I would have to be an offensive player. No matter what I play or where I play I always have a goal in mind. Sometimes it has more to do with company, fun, and laughs over what is happening in the game. Other times its grinding for points to either reach a wizard mode or get a replay for a free game on location.

Thats how you tear down a game at first encounter?

Thats actually rather impressive. I never once looked at a game like that until after reading your post. When I step up to a game I formulate projection lines from the flippers out to each shot. Then I play and test my "line of shot" to each shot in the game. After that I adjust and try again. Once I get a couple of shots down I take into account risk/reward for each shot. This is when I bring up how likely a miss to each shot will result in a drain or loss of control. Even further I take a solid shot and see how unpredictable the outcomes are. (Stand up or drops and what those lite in the game)

So first is playability. Then its how easy a shot is. After that rules come into play.

I see what you are forming with you "maps." A game like cyclone seems like its going tk have quick reaction times meaning you have to play defensive after each shot. The layout on afm is more forgiving on reaction time allowing you to set up an offensive.

Interesting.