Honest discussion here not looking for trolling (though I'm sure it will come).

For me the whole Stern LE thing with limited availability has turned me off. I was somewhat off Stern already (full disclosure) on the price hikes they put into effect to my eye without improving quality (and to my eye under cover of JJP intro price to market with an upscale product).

This whole scarcity thing however rubs me completely the wrong way. I was going to look for a Star Trek LE, but I really don't want to play in this sandbox. Instead I would like to send a message and not give Stern my business and buy exclusively JJP. Of course I do want to buy machines I like so the decision is a tough one.

Jim

No I don't like the LE scarcity BS. Yes I do have a vote with my money. I don't think I'm alone in my opinion at all. Stern is certainly pissing off some people (maybe lots of them). If they think that's in the best interests of their company more power to them. Not trolling that is truly what I believe. I thought I'd start this thread to voice my opinions. I really don't care much what others think about them but it is interesting to read some of the replies.

Also for the record no WOZ for me (but I am in for The Hobbit)

2 nib Sterns LOTR and TSPP. Stern was a different company in my eyes back then today is pretty much two or more iterations of the company philosophy later. Didn't have a real problem with Stern per se back when I bought from them but I don't have much good to say about either of the Stern distributors I dealt with. One was a big one that did little to support the sale other than collect some distributor profit. The other sold me some parts which I had to chase them for literally 2 years for them to make good on (not delivered no communication for months at a time, a horror story). I don't have more recent personal experience with Stern but as you know I know lots of recent Stern buyers so I'm not completely out of the loop.

1 game from JJP on order. Experience great so far for me but there is a lengthy road ahead I admit. I hope it stays great but time will tell. I admit faith is required, and that's not for everyone.

Jim

An LE. I wouldn't call the THLE scarce at 1500. I'd be fine if they ran more too. I want the extras the LE offers. I don't get hung up on having something only a few have. Other people seem to relish it. To each their own but it does impact me at Stern when I can't get the art or the features I prefer. Stern makes it especially irksome when they reserve modes or other gameplay affecting features (e.g. daft multiball on TRONLE) that's the beef I have.

Oops sorry.

Not.