Reminds me of a story - Years ago, I started to set up an arcade type shop with EMs and SS machines 1971-79 - just the classics - no DMDs. So I started restoring the games, and showing people my work...So I had a row setup - about 7 pins, and I had about another 15 to go - so I was a year off even thinking about an "opening date". But word got around, and people wanted to see the games and play them... Worst mistake I could have made
! SIX of them were sold within 2 weeks...
The "public arcade" idea would be difficult to achieve, because pinheads want to bring the arcade into their own homes. Whilst in the homes, kids get to see them and play them. From my observations, the console games take the attention away from the pinballs when a new console game arrives... Kid gets bored with it (worked it out - finished all the levels), and goes back to the pinballs... Harder to master !