For me, when I was a young chap, I was lucky enough to be exposed to both pinballs & video games. Back then, I mostly spent my hard earned money (sweeping the games room for $1.00 each morning of 20c (marked) coins) I mostly played the video games. Sure I lasted about 2 min per one but I enjoyed them. The older dad's etc mostly played the pinnies with a beer or six and I would sit there watching them play. I guess back then I learned a few lessons, firstly you could get a lot more play time from your 20c ie 5 balls which lasted a lot longer than a quick game of moon patrol or scramble. So I started playing the pinnies, I remember Hulk, Fandango, FJ Holden amongst others. My fav from that time was Hyperball. It just blew me away, lots of fun and moving stuff!
When I got older, computer games started to come out - although nothing like today. I can remember being swept up with Leasure Suit Larry, Space Quest, Street Rod which kids today would not even download for their mobile phones. Around that time a lot of DMD's were coming out. I remember playing T2 at the Cinemas at Knox, Elvira, Getaway and these had me hooked. I had no interest in the Street Fighter an similar games which were out around that time. BUT I do remember being able to find a pinny / arcade machine at just about every milkbar, shopping center and spending every hard earned cent.
I don't know the reason kids today don't like them....I would love to see a come back of some new quality machines!