Honestly I think its because they don't try to be different. I firmly believe and actually have had this confirmed to me, they have a program like google sketchup. Inside this program it shows you what you can use to design a game, and outside of that you can't use it. I think these guys are stuck in a rut personally. Why don't they do something different do a wide body, add wifi, add a camera, do something epic, try and be different, think outside the box?

They won't because for one its not profitable just look at POTC, do something way outside the box you have parts issues, etc. Two why should they, they're kings, making money, no need. Three they have no real competition really so no need to ramp up anything. Four they use parts that are tried and true, there is no doubt their machines are tanks. Doing anything outside the norm is risky.

Until Stern has a serious downturn in business, or they get some big league competition will you see them mix it up.

Lastly I honestly think worshipping the same guys who've designed pinball games for years, is a mistake. Where is the new blood? When you're 60 years old and you've been doing this for decades no reason to change. Look at Iron Maiden everyone loves that game, it was his first game, you need pinball companies to take more chances on new, fresh eyed talent.

Just my opinion.