The fellow who owns TimeZone told me he gets Sterns latest releases the moment the first machines roll off the production line because he has an agreement with Stern to be a test centre for the latest titles and reports any mechanical/engineering issues back to Stern as the games are played very high volume.

This could be correct and to also give some support to the local pinball club who then bring there families to play the pins other games as well. I don't think the pins are huge money makers for them. Generally machines seem to be kept for 12 twelve months or so then sold off.