First I admire Stern for getting out so many games, they just do the standard thing in a lot of variations so costs should be low. They have an impressive lineup with various themes (GoT, WWE, Spiderman, Star Trek, Kiss, TWD..) so there is a lot to choose. Innovative....not...the model would fit more to a price fighter than a premium label. As they still have a large part of the market, it's their choice...but we are reaching a point that people will think different about the price. Stern thinks the Spiderman license is worth 7.5k....time will tell. With an Original SM selling in 2007 for $4500 and now one for $7500 that sure is some raise. And It is not in the materials nor the work, you would say that the machine is cheaper to produce with the increased volumes they are pushing out.

Nonsense, people like cars form 1960 and pay extreme prices for old technology. AM radio, no airbags, no power steering, etc. There will always be people that like pinball, real machines, the real deal, real rules, gravity, etc.
Virtual reality and magic leap are great for sure and it is the future, just like electric cars and hover boards. But some people will linger in the past on the side...like we use vinyl, jukeboxes, self baked pizza, fresh picked fruit.......