Personally I don’t like playing the games, I would never buy one, my view is that is why the price is depressed.
I agree with your comments about risk with the new manufacturers. I am also worried about all the new Stern machines, too, with all their node boards and surface mount stuff. They are going to be a bitch to fix 10 or 20 yrs from now, especially if Stern goes under. Very few companies last forever, and when Gary steps down who knows what the next person will do.