wizman, what the hell are you talking about? I'd think someone who claims to have such a proficiency in pin playing, you'd have a better grasp of the fundamentals of design. I think you're mixing style of play with characteristics of a game. As a matter of game design, there are those that have very free-flowing design, contrasted with those that are stop-and-go designed games (e.g., DMDs with video modes, tough shots that require careful aim).

As a player, I can either just go with what flow the game offers (more casual play) or I can really play (lots of captures and targeted shots based on advancing the rule set). It sounds like you simply want to beat the crap out of every machine you encounter and every player you play with. How unfun can you get? Seems to me you'd miss out on the great flow a machine can offer because you feel the need to stop the flow simply to make the best play as possible.