But now that there is so much repro stuff available, and people now realize they have choices, I think originality is being looked at in a slightly different light by a lot of folks. More folks are willing to keep that less-than-perfect sideart or CPO, etc, because it is original. And you're starting to see more people who are willing to pay more for that originality, while others are still happy to get new repro stuff for less in many cases.
I agree, my thinking has shifted over the years in both directions, it just really depends on what I'm starting with. If I'm starting with a cabinet that is painted all black and the art isn't salvageable, then I'll go the repro route.
I've also purchased a lot of repro art over the years that I haven't used because while the original isn't perfect, it's good enough. My Sinistar has a cigarette burn on it and a bit of cracking but my repro overlay still sits, unapplied.
My Stargate was converted, the overlay turned into Swiss cheese, so I replaced it.
Right now I'm really torn on my Kickman. The art is far from perfect, but it's still there. I've been spraying it with Kryon Triple Thick to protect it. Those who would want a 100% perfect cab would have stripped it down and applied the repro side art. My issue with the repro art is that it's not like the original (Original is Screen Printed on the cab, Repro is a sticker).
Fizzgig probably would have replaced everything on this cab by now
I have a Jungle King cabinet that is probably beyond saving (Particle Board that has lots of water damage). I'll probably use the cabinet as a template to build a new one.
I have a Major Havoc conversion in a Tempest cab. Probably going to move it to a reproduction Tempest Cabinet because the current cabinet is (again) particle board and the sides are swollen. I actually have NOS Conversion Side Art that I'll apply at some point too.
But my point is that it's an organic thing, and is evolving, as it does in a lot of collectible hobbies. What I wonder is whether or not our hobby will evolve to the point where repro is considered VERY undesirable, and the price gap between original and repro becomes huge (as it is for other antique collectibles like musical instruments, cars, etc).
It's an interesting time in the hobby.
Personally, I'll take original over reproduction when I can, but if all I can get is the PCB, then repro it will be... There are also a lot of games that only came a conversion kits. Those I would have no problem making reproduction everything for.