As for STERN supposedly copying everything from everyone, they say copying successful people or successful ideas is a great form of flattery.
I say well done to STERN for seeing great ideas and running with them. Its got to be better than seeing great ideas and not copying them.
Some people are innovators (JJP) and some are imitators (Stern).
It's just a shame Stern can't be a little more proactive, but as long as they keep up and add to pinball variety.