I agree that restoration threads (pin & arcade) are far more interesting and educational than a rant or report on the latest machine from XXXX.
I personally get great satisfaction from seeing someone assist another member to track down a fault or hard to get part - sometimes I'm pleased to say it's me but most times other members far more knowlegable than I am.
I think the current mix on the forum is fine - but that's just me. I don't have a problem with all of the threads, if I don't like one, I don't bother looking at it.
Sometimes the best threads can be the "gripe" ones if only for entertainment value but often they also offer an insight into topics etc that I had little or no knowledge of.
I often put up a new thread when I have a new board available or I am developing something - that interests ME but may not appeal to others, they can simply ignore my posts (as I'm sure many do
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People come and go from this hobby as they do from all others.