My definition of “homebrew” falls into a single concept- is this the brain child of one man, or multiple people? From the stand point of manufacturers, the “design team” are all listed on the playfield (sometimes), yet we all consider Twilight Zone the brain child of Pat Lawlor. Now I am sure Pat had a hand in pushing forth the theme and the design, but clearly a LOT more people are involved, including the actual construction of the mechanisms, toys, artwork, music, software, light shows, sound effects, call outs, animations, etc… not to mention all the engineering to develope the underlying platform. A true homebrew puts the “hat” of all of these on one person, however, if some of these “hats” require knowledge that the home brewer does not possess , would I kick them out of bed for eating crackers and “contracting it out” to additional people?
I don’t think I would. Now, however, if the basis of this “contracted out” is a lot of “borrowing” from the existing IP of a mainstream title, does this affect my consideration? If asked to judge between a retheme and a completely original design, a mediocre “homebrew” original will win my vote quicker than a slick artwork and cabinet refurbishment, because the breadth of the challenge to wear that many hats and pull it off is something only really gifted and dedicated pinball enthusiasts can do.