Re Stern I just don't get it. As soon as you "drive it off the lot" it looses a couple of grand. But most of all they aren't (can never be) part of pinball nostalgia. It's like lining up an xd falcon next to an xy. the xd is worth zilch. to me the bally/ williams are hq monaros - they are iconic, they are built to last, they look great, they are getting rarer & if looked after they play fantastic.

Is it just me that doesn't get y some people are so pro-Stern??

Same thing with price drop back in the good old days.
I bought my Flash in 1980 from an operator for $500 which was less than half new price. This machine is in original and good condition.
The only things that have changed are technology and inflation.