From a simplistic point of view, someone actually pulled their finger out and did an Expo. All I've ever heard is talk - "I wish someone would ....." - Well thanks to Rian and Co - It is now history - We had an Expo, and from all reports - a successful one at that.
It is understandable that not all the machines were in pristine, rare and collectible condition. We don't have the number of restorers that our friends in the USA have. Good luck walking into a Dealers and being able to play every machine - fully shopped and in perfect condition. I've been to all dealers in Melbourne, and not all machines are even presentable. Now I did not personally see any of the machines at Expo, but most enthusiasts didn't seem to worry too much about the condition of the machines and from the pictures on this site, the isles were full of people playing games.
I'm sure the organizers will learn from this Expo, and the next one will be massive. Particularly with the Dealers bringing machines to show off and sell to the public. That being fact, means that there will be a much higher percentage of fully shopped machines to play. Obviously, a bigger venue is needed to cater for that !
Hopefully, if all the planets align, I will bring some of my restored machines for the public to enjoy.
Onward and upward !
