Quoted from ryanwanger:Assuming a modern machine, I'd say:
1) Accuracy (if you never miss, your game will last nearly forever)
2) Ball/Flipper Control
3) Most impactful 5% of the rules
4) Nudging
5) Mental Game
6) The other 95% of the rules
I am surprised to see mental game at #5 on your list. I feel like that is much higher and really plays into ability to be accurate and flipper control.
If I am playing for fun but focused (i.e. mental game is on point since no competitive stress) then I find the accuracy and control follow that mental state.
I am not sure how to explain it, but the whole "the game slows down" level of focus can make everything else fall in line.
I honestly suck at accuracy and ball control most of the time, but have the occasional ability to block out all distraction and light it up. I dont have the patience or persistence to work on the other stuff, but the focus is fun to try and improve.