Quoted from xTheBlackKnightx:

Marilyn (Taxi) is a very poor example of justifying pinball licensing, because it was unsuccessful.
Williams just "went ahead" and attempted to use her image in 1988, and their bluff was called by her estate.
Roger Sharpe reported WMS management did not want to pay her estate via renegotiation (as production was already in full swing), and hence the color and image were changed. Hence, the 200 samples, and a handful of added playfields.
Regarding licensing, Beatles pinball was never successful in acquisition during the 1960s and 70s at their height through Bally, and Bally did the next best thing by copying certain aspects for their game "Beat Time", which their wanted to release as the Beatles. Bally was smart enough to not start a war with Northern Songs Ltd. Yoko Ono was not a decisive factor. I don't recall off hand who managed the licensing at Bally without reference during that period.
The TAF deal with Roger Sharpe were originally used via the updated movie with the production studio, not heavily influenced by individual actors specifically, which is much more common today. This is something that that has changed significantly with licensing of any older property. Negotiations with all actors and estates would be required. The Christopher Lloyd anecdote was was provided in discussion with CGC.
Black Hole licensing was nixed after Disney wanted too much money for the license, and hence Gottlieb decided to go their own route with artwork and save money.
I cannot speak for KISS, as after the original Bally game was made, I never followed the band.
I don't know why people would suggest that pinball enthusiasts are not familiar with the history, as we were collecting and involved in the industry.