Congo could well be an "A" list game to someone. I have no problem with "any" game being on someone's "A" list. It is subjective.
The "cookie cutter" is just that. Four or five games generally accepted as being the "best" based on opinions. They are almost always the most expensive, and some people read this list as "in concrete". It is not, and anyone who believes it is "the bible" of DMD games has not been in the hobby, or collecting, for a long period of time.
If someone suggested to me that Congo, or Popeye were THEIR "A" list games, I would accept that as their opinion, as their is no "right or wrong" with this discussion. What I would do, is pay more attention to these two titles next time I play them and LOOK for their highlights. I NEVER EVER take someone's opinion "as bible" - until I've played the game and seen (or not seen) what the game is about. I've done that with TZ, and my opinion is that is is an interesting player, but it is not an "A" list pin for mine. I'd rather play Fishtales. Does that make me wright or wrong ? Only "I" can answer that.
When someone suggests Cactus Canyon as the best pinball ever made, I don't have to agree with it. But if a Fishtales and Cactus Canyon were next to each other, I'd play fishtales, and I'd get a blast from playing it. I remember a dealer who had a CC and had it switched off, so no one could play it. It is "too valuable" for the general public to play. What a crock ! TO ME, it is a $2500 DMD pinball. That's my opinion. I'm right in my view..