This is what I think - I think its as simple as market share - how many of them are out there. Stern is the heavy hitter with the most active sales and machines on the market. They have a plethora of parts available, and everybody who has any pinball experience can work on them. I currently own a dozen machines, all on route. But the heavy hitters are Stern, and Chicago Gaming. But in the end I only buy what the average customer wants to play. I also think you guys are missing some of the big companies that are buying pinball. The route operators. This also effects the pricing of games in a big way.
Example: I wouldn't waste money on premium models (unless it was a bargain price), and certainly not an LE - but thats because I am making money with the machines, not hoarding them for collecting purposes. My customers are paying a dollar to play - they won't walk away if it isn't a "premium". That's why I stick with pros. Chances are that the secondary machine market values will go up as the NIB prices climb, and that includes all of the brands. But while you can buy Sterns new for $5500, then that will be your bar set for secondary pricing. The lowest price machines. Plus, most operators are not buying these JJP machines. They are an operator's worst nightmare. They have hard to find parts, they are wide body (which makes it a pain the move around since they are heavy) and they are almost to busy for the average pinball novice. Plus - the more moving components, the more they are broken and not making any coin. JJP has to be the worst of them out there.
They are designed for the pinball players at home - not for the average millennial at a pincade. I get it - pinball has turned into a home hobby lately, but route operators are still the ones buying 10-50 NIB, or even more per year. Most home owners might buy one maybe two games a year? When you are dealing with a company that is aiming for the home use market, thats what will happen - seriously decreased secondary market pricing. It's a pinball machine - play it, enjoy it, maybe make some money on it by introducing it to people in the public. Why people buy these for an investment purpose.. is beyond me. Maybe try investing in real estate instead. They are games at the end of the day after all. I am not saying they don't ascend in value, but in the end it's only worth what people will pay for them.
As a route operator who cleans money out of machines weekly, I know what machines get played the most. Stern is the big winner in the end. They are strong, light, and have familiar titles. Plus Stern takes care of me, with any parts that are broken or defected, they always answer the phone, they are not rude, and they are prompt with shipping. And most important - they have parts availability everywhere. Its like a 350 chevy!
The funny thing is - nobody has mentioned Chicago Gaming on this thread. They have a more expensive machines and they are doing well on the secondary market.. just saying. They have solid machines, they never break down and have titles that are very popular and proven. Operators dream.