Right now there is only one volume builderof pinball machines
If you want a NIB machine, you have to have it theStern way

Well I am glad they are around still making games, but its a pity they take advantage of being the major producer.

True but do remember that people are doing just that for companies that have never yet produced a pinball machine. They then cross their fingers for a few years and PRAY that the machine will eventuate. Then they pray it will look the goods.. then pray that it plays well... then  pray that the manufacturing quality is as expected.

Is an odd game is pinball...

It is the way isn't it? I have only once gone on the "pay and pray" line, don't think I have the stomach for it any more!

It was harder to update code due to the fact operators would rely on a distributor to provide them with the rare updates (on ROMs). Machine code was done at the point of manufacturing.

That'll be one of Stern's arguments - it's easy to update these days.