Thanks Dave, I totally understand why so many got angry, I think it's great to see so many being defensive, it shows that they truly do care about the hobby.
I myself was heartbroken when strike machines were taken away from the hard rock, it was my favorite. It would be a shame to see the strikers lose more casinos, especially because of this.
In fact I was so excited about the mirage taking on strike machines I stopped there to play for strikes on my way from the airport, before even going to check in at the casino I was staying at. I collected 30 and got a $300 strike and it made my day.