Why stay away from it?
Some guys are a little over-zealous when it comes to MAMEing a dedicated arcade cabinet.
If you do decide to get it & MAME it, make sure you don't destroy anything on it (Artwork, sides, etc...) so it can be converted back should anyone decide to do so in the future. You'll receive a few moans & groans, but if you keep it tasteful & don't destroy it's rebuildability, you'll probably like it more in the long run & have something worth more if you want to sell it later.
Otherwise, if you want/like it, go for it & have fun!
For all the zealots out there... Get over it. It's a pile of wood & electronics with a pretty sticker on it... I hate to see a dedicated cab mutilated in the name of MAME, but in the end, to each his own.
- tmasman