Quoted from pinworthy:

"Stupid" ?? You haven't played many EMs I guess or maybe you just sucked at them because they were hard. When the first SS games came out with ramps and different levels I hated them but I have come around to accept that they just have a different style of play. Compare some of your new Sterns to older ones, you will find that some aren't much more than changing the theme, adding new figurines and translite/backglass ... there is limited space and once a good flow is established there isn't much else you can do (EM, SS or DMD alike).

Wow sounds like you are trying to convince yourself that paying $5-7000 for a modern pin makes sense just because it is newer tech(doesn't mean a better play experience). My Aztec takes skill to hit some of the targets without going straight into the sidedrain and I don't get 2-3 "do overs" like these newer machines. I was very surprised by the number of easily earned extra balls you get these days. IMO an EM was designed first of all for OPs to make money, players enjoyment was secondary and that makes them a bit more challenging.
Technology didn't exist ... duh... but it was the best technology of the time, someday your DMD will be "old school" too. I played pinball in the 70's and drove some of the hottest stuff on wheels back those days ... my Lexus IS is just as fast as any number of big block chevys from those days but I wouldn't want to change the driving experience of a big screaming V-8 just because it isn't the newest tech. You think we should we "gut out" those original muscle cars and modernize them just because they aren't the latest tech?
Top 10 reasons I have EMs
10: Purchase price is low
9: Enjoy that I get to tune them occasionally to keep them going
8: Variety of game play ... you can find a pin with pretty much anything from simple to busy playfields depending on what you want in the line up.
7: Memories of days past
6: Purchase price (did I mention that they are cheap?)
5: Artwork and colors - nothing compares to the older artwork ... it is art, newer machines not so much
4: Sounds and smells (ozone from the arcing) spinning score reels, spinners, chimes, no annoying voice overs
3: Cabinet knocker ... nice and loud so people look and know you won a game
2: Simple easy to understand rule sets, I don't need a YouTube video to understand them
Number 1 reason I like my EMs:
SPECIAL WHEN LIT , where has the good old red special light gone? I REALLY miss that