The saying "they don't make like them like they used to" applies in this situation.

First of all, these machines are built for earning money on location (and only recently for the home market). So nothing has changed. Stern build machines, and operators are responsible for their upkeep. So let's keep one thing in mind - it is not "Stern's fault". But these games should be able to handle 24 X 7 like they used to in the Golden Era - if not better.

Most operators attend site for two reasons ;

1 - Empty the coin box
2 - Fix the coin mechanism

The site manager should be calling the operator who should be doing something about the games. But the operator is only interested in the "machine's capacity to earn money". End of story.

I have never seen a poor example of a machine in a collector's gamesroom. Never. I have never seen a perfectly working game onsite since the 80's.

Timezone and the operator would jump on any issues with redemption games - as they earn good money. Pinball does not - and pinball "ain't what it used to be.."