It's worth noting that playing on string setters vs free-fall setters is quite different. The string alters how the pins move when they are hit. There's not really a "one is easier", it's more a different technique.

Yeah, I remember seeing both kind of machines. IIRC For the competitive scene string setters were (are?) a no-go but we installed plenty string-setters on holiday parks because they're just more economical.

I remember some classmates interned working on new / different firmware for the machines you're talking about though. Fun project for an internship!

Unfortunately it is becoming more and more common for US alleys to use the pins with cords systems. Many lanes will actually upgrade to this system and I feel it is a mini tragedy in a way. I am very happy to see this because it gives me hope that there might be alternatives for bowling alleys who are considering the string based systems.

Pinsetters scare the everloving fuck out of me.

I did a bit of work for a bowling alley 30 years ago. The guy that had just bought it wanted their 1970s computers brought up to the spec of the 1990s ;-) He'd retired from an incredibly well-paying job offshore so was well and truly familiar with working on large electrical machinery on oil platforms.

Day one - before he even turned the main incomer breaker on in his new bowling alley - the very first thing he did was sit everyone down in the dark and silent cafe and explain the idea behind and importance of LOTO. He didn't want to see anyone near any of the machinery without it locked out and tagged out, ever, for any reason, not even near it. As I recall the phrase "never work in this industry again" was used several times.

I'm disappointed that the USBC is starting to certify tethered pin setups, though it is fortunately a separate category of competition. The pin action is wildly different.

String setters are on the way. They’re far cheaper to buy and run.

Bowlers hate the idea, but bowlers hated synthetic lane surfaces, urethane lane surfaces, and even lacquer surfaces before that. They also loved their old urethane balls, super soft plastic and dodo balls. All those changes went into place against the wishes of the bowlers, but that didn’t matter. Economics wins, every time.

String setters are on the way.