I do not understand the big "ISSUE" that Williams would have with these reproductions. As long as you are going thought he right channels in terms of licensing and the associated Williams License Fees then what could be their problem.
I remember when I worked for the AFL that licensing was quite expensive but once you have one you are still required to pay annual royalties from all sales..
Money for Jam really for Williams....
Absolutely. Here's my understanding (which could be totally inaccurate) - The problem is that Williams have to check each part or art, so ensure the quality is up to standards. Now their Pinball division closed years ago - and they sold it off to two separate entities. Both entities believe they can "approve" and "enforce" any object that is Williams or Bally. One company was even approving their own work ! So Williams themselves don't necessarily want to check each part - but the two entities didn't "get along" and believe they have the rights to certain parts. So you take your repro part to both entities - but - it is my understanding that BOTH entities must forward the request - with sample - to Williams. Williams make that decision.
Williams are simply not going to approve any part or art on any machine prior to 1989 regardless of which entity you forward your submission to.
This is just my understanding - so if I'm totally wrong - my apologies. It would be great if someone who knows the facts would be able to clarify.