THIS.... i've only been "in" the hobby for 2 and a bit years and I've managed to buy 2 NIB in that time (1st because i wanted the warrenty, 2nd because it was limited and the timeing was right).... but I have kids.... and, ok, i can justify spending a lot on a toy but there are limits for me at this stage in life. I CANNOT justify over 10k on a pin no matter how good it might be as (looking at market) i'm gonna lose a ton ont he asset more often than not. it's an expensive hobby and i can imagine having morecash to splurge once the kids are adults but to grow the hobby the entry level needs these "low" tier mahines to hook people in...
If i believed the internet I was "crazy" and "missing out" for starting / buying a Pro Foo fighters and honestly I simply wouldnt have taken the first step in if I hadnt bought the Pro.... and I'm glad I did the FUN i've had is great and I personally dont see the value for the Prem (not saying it's not there but starting out and with only one pin at the time.... meh)...
Point is... I love these low run pinballs, but it cant become the norm as it makes the hobby elitist and unattainable for the part of the market that is starting in the hobby. Dropping 7-8.5k on a Stern Pro or Turner NIB is VERY different to 11.5-14k for the other end... if everything feels unattainable, new blood wont enter...
Of course , now i'm hooked and desperatly working outhow to fit more tables... and I also have access to 2nd hand market as I have confidence in the inner workings of the machines and my ability to fix. But you gotta start in a safe space, and that space cant cost too much!