That's amazing. I have the same combination for my luggage!

This is an edit... I'm sorry... Someone beat me to the Spaceballs reference.
I feel like colonel sanders when he caught the stunt doubles... So I shall slink away.

Here's the main question... And I don't know when we'll get a real answer... Pinball is coming back. Arcades are coming back. How big will they both get. Most likely nowhere near the heyday of their past.
For 60s and 70s Pinball made more money than the film industry. At least that is according to a documentary that I watched, or an article that I read. So take that with a grain of salt... Also, until Jaws, Exorcist, and Star Wars. There really weren't hug box office movies. Most people here think a film that did 20 million in the 80s was a flop... Cos, they don't realize that 20-40 million was a hit film in the 80s, not a super hit, but good business.

Anyway... The true test to pinball I think will come when the older guard starts to die out. Let's hope that won't happen for a long time, as I wish health and wealth to everyone. But, is the new young blood in pinball enough to not only replace the old guard, but also continue to grow the industry.
Only time will tell.
And honestly... I do think there will be a slight or minor crash. Where the bubble bursts on some of these prices. But, I do think pins will hold some degree of value. Some of the cheaper pins might be like a craigslist piano. You pick it up and take it, its yours free.
But, the quality pins, those prices might fall, but still hold probably half their value.

Again, that is just speculation. The main thing to note. Look at all the arcade stuff coming back. When the next recession hits America, and its a matter of years... Pinball and arcades are going to get hit hard. But, I think hopefully the health of the hobby will keep the good companies afloat.
So, I think while it may never get to the heyday of yesteryear. And a good production run might be 2000-5000 sales instead which in the past was a normal production run. But, different era, different expectations and also different ways to manufacture.

But, one thing is certain. Pinball is not going anywhere anytime soon.

Isn't that happening with EM machines...
I'll say this. Pinball repair can be intimidating. I myself work as a computer tech for a school district. I'm not the best tech, but I am really good at my job, and there are a lot of things that are over my head in with pinball repair still. I actually think I picked the wrong machine as my first machine(talk about a 250 paper weight). But, I'm slowly learning. My major repair was reconnecting the right upper flipper wire that solder joint broke off in for iron maiden. Simple... But, I never soldered before... First attempt was rubbish. Only lasted an hour. 2nd attempt looked better and is a keeper. Hasn't broken yet and on like hour 30 of play.

I also own my own independent comic book production company. I draw, I paint and yet, I'm still reticent about working on any of my machines. Its just a phobia I have that I will make it worse or break it.

And I think most people have that fear too. Which is why I think most people should buy a beater for their first pin. Restore it, if you want. But, just something that you can play and not worry about breaking. And if/when it does break learn how to fix it yourself. Because, with a beater, you might not be so afraid at damaging something. But, with a 5-9k pin, you're going to have that fear.

So while I don't have a crystal ball and won't pretend to know what the future holds. You're most likely correct that there might be less pinball repair techs. They're already are not as many as what there was in the past. But, I have faith or hope that the strength of the hobby will be able to keep the old pins going. Lots of really cool new replacement boards are now made, that are better than the originals.