Its not over and never will be. We are pinball people and we love the rare and limited games... its what fuels any hobby, be it 1st edition books, stamps or records. Being the first to own, or owning a limited number production is just too tempting. The mind tells you its wrong but many people just cant resist it.
Ive pre ordered  vinyl records that are a limited pressing with no idea how they sound till I get them. I know the band but not the record itself.
No different with pinball, just larger $$$ values being spent.
How much are you willing to gamble???. That really is the only difference.