Playing devil's advocate here, but did anyone consider that these ideas (kiddie machines, ticket dispensers) may not even be at the instigation of G Stern?

Remember he had a "white knight" investment company come to his rescue with a funding package a few years to stop the doors from closing. Part of that funding package could have had stipulations attached to it that new markets must be explored and new concepts tested in the future.

Just a thought.

Of course it did.. no investor is going to stump up a wad of cash and tell the main owner to just carry on with the same formula you have been using  that has almost sent you under.
The whole recent " lift" with Sterns games is a direct result of fresh cash and new impetance... it started with ACDC... seems to have continued with X -Men and the faithful tell us that AVENGERS is also a ripper.
It was very clear that STERN was stagnating big time... slump in sales... boring titles, lack lustre game play and a feeling of complete cheapness to the machines. People like JJP dont set up because its common knowledge that Stern have the market cornered.. they set up cos they HAVE NOT got the market cornered and are willing to stump up big $$ to prove it.

The fresh injection at Stern may just be enough to keep it alive... better titles, better made, redemption tickets, LCD... all positive moves in the right direction