Straight from the horse's mouth Steve Ritchie as of 3 days ago via a live Q and A.

https://www.facebook.com/sternpinball/videos/10153936706249244/

Question posed by J Dankberg via Live Feed from listener: "So here's a great question, Pro versus Premium/LE, which is designed first and do you make a Pro first (Steve interrupts question with NO) or do you make a complete machine with Premium/LE and then remove items?"

Answer from Steve Ritchie: "I start with the LE. I start with everything. On games like GoT for example we are talking a HUGE (his emphasis) difference between the Pro and the LE. It's actually insane. If you want to spend the money on an LE/Premium you are going to get that maximum play, maximum everything."

Then added as an afterthought because he realises he has indirectly crapped on his employer's product.

"But if you want a good, fun game the Pro is there too." Said whilst rolling his eyes and looking off camera.



You only need to read between the lines to see even the designer himself is not happy with the BOM cutbacks which is causing not only damage to the hobby itself, but is shortchanging the pinball playing public.