Another thought. I consider the design elements of the VI to be more modern. The curves on the rails and corner castings for example. However, is that really what someone interested in the Gold Crown brand is looking for (e.g. see all the reactions in this post)?
To me, "Gold Crown" speaks to nostalgia, to the glory days of pocket billiards, to a table with an iconic look and feel that is seared into the mind of a generation of professionals and enthusiasts. So for this consumer, anything that strays too far from that makes it less and less of a Gold Crown.
I thought the V was an excellent balance between the old and the new. It has a elegance and class of a Gold Crown. You see and feel the historical pedigree while appreciating the modern updates that make it more serviceable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.
Here's a thought for Brunswick. How about reintroducing the Gold Crown I for example. How many of you would go for the look and feel of a new, retro Gold Crown I that incorporates modern structural improvements versus the new aesthetics of the Gold Crown VI?
I think if Brunswick would simply focusing on improving the performance and functionality without mucking with the aesthetics as much, they'd at least have the enthusiast community more excited about the table. Now whether that makes for a profitable product line is anyone's guess (probably not, I suppose).
At what point does a Gold Crown cease to be a Gold Crown?