Now that ive sold all 3 pins, im looking for something newer and more reliable... is there such a thing or am i forever going to have to fix things i know nothing about?? Thoughts?

Troubleshooting a SS pin is a whole different (foot) ball game. (Pardon the pun)

The 90's and later machines pretty much tell you what is wrong anyway. Even if they don't, so many boards and components are common to these things. Articles written about say, an Adams can be applied to a Twilight Zone - they are very similar.

Okay so you bummed out on the EM - does not mean you are stupid, modern stuff is easier by a long shot. (And more importantly - the stuff on the net is more current)

Go and get your JP - yeah okay its Data East, but the above points still apply!

You will be right mate!