I can't find an offending word in your original post - I highlighted a sentence with a reply so readers don't assume that Stern will send out a playfield for everyone complaining about issues.
There's no point in complaining about something without providing a solution. A populated playfield would not work for me. The blank playfield was perfect in my situation. Stern would replace the defective playfield with a populated playfield (as was indicated was the likely outcome for me, until I requested a blank) for a HUO owner with a similar issue. I know the members that contacted me to keep them in the loop were told the same thing.
I'd like to make one point crystal clear - Stern were thorough in their decision to assist with TWD LE playfield problem. It was not a case of sending out a playfield without the photos passing through several people at Stern / AMD / KJWHF. Every single employee of Stern, or business' associated were all in agreement regarding the playfield. It was never a case of simply sending me a playfield because I whinged hard enough. There has to be compelling evidence to justify a warranty claim such as this. Stern / AMD / KJWHF were brilliant in working with me to rectify the issue.
I'm updating this thread because I want Stern to seriously look at recent technologies ( HRP Clearcoating process and products), instead of the 15 year old technology that clearly is "hit and miss". I will try again in the New Year.
I couldn't agree more, a new playfield for just any old issue isn't warranted and shouldn't be expected. Without conclusive evidence it's just plain ridiculous. It's good to hear that you were offered a complete playfield though, not that it was helpful to you, but to hear one was offered eases things a bit in my mind. I still can't get over the treatment the bloke in the USA received from Stern with his warped Metallica playfield. Hopefully your issue and the others that I've read about online, result in Stern examining their processes and improving their quality standards and control. Games just shouldn't ship from their factory with fundamental flaws.
Your efforts in trying to get Stern to improve are very much the right thing to do, hopefully they will take your advice and improve their standards and we can leave any doubts behind when considering buying NIB games.