The other thing is (from my VERY limited experience) we kind of miss out on the great restorations that r done in Europe & the US (eg. beautifully restored Shadow playfields professionally sprayed with many thin coats of poly). Here it's a bit of cleaning of the metal trim with a harsh polish & a few rubbers changed & the machine is called "shopped" (whatever that means). I'm sure there are some good techs around though - you just have to know who.
Actually with Strangeways & El_timbo86 - US & Europe are missing out on the quality that the Aussies are turning out - Happy Australia (Pin) Day!
Check out for example - El_timbo86
http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=12999.msg165972#msg165972 & Strangeways
http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=11892.0El_timbo86 clearcoating is superb. I have had several playfields done, for example
http://www.pinsbytim.com.au/photos/index.php?/category/61. Tim did my Pinball Magic NOS playfield at the same time, and that game is now with a local mate, played to within an inch of its life, and the clear still shines.