Stern has to make money to survive. the 3 models of one title at least cater for different tastes within the pinball community. are they expensive to buy a LE model, yes without a doubt. remember there is a Global Financial Crisis still happening, and the fact that Stern is still alive after 4 or more bad economic years is a miracle.
Alot bigger and richer companies have fallen by the wayside. The fact that Stern is still producing so many models is a testement to the dedication of the management of Stern to keep going and provide a great product. The alternative is too see the last pinball company die and thats not good for pinball.
As for Gary Stern having a inflated ego or whatever that comment was, I have never met the man so i couldnt agree with that, or say anything bad about his personality.
If the man is confident, and not a shrinking violet, full of optimism, well thats what u need to run a multi-million dollar company these days, espescially in this economic climate.
If someone ever sat down with the guy, like I hope to one day if I ever get lucky enough to meet the man, I ofcourse wouldnt ask him anything negative. I would like to learn something from the man, not insult him or give him a hardtime. I could however, ask him about the great Ironman pinball he created etc etc.
That might be more to his lking.
That question Pete about the movie stars and their feedback is a good one. I would like to know if the Stars who feature on the machines are lucky enough to be given a free pinny for their house. and how many have started collecting new Sterns as a result of getting their first machine ?