This Dustcover topic heats me up a bit. While there may be evidence that the older style cabs used them underneath the metal... That means nothing. Its still "opinion" on its usage.
Older games also used overlays on top of the metal panels... no plexi. However... these overlays cracked, flaked off, created nasty sharp uncomfortable edges, exposed sticky glue...ect.
Im sure that the spills from soda and the crumbs from food getting into the joystick and cabnet also was common with the older cabs.
Im a fan of classics. I own a few. I also managed an arcade for 3 yrs of my life.
Yes... there were many conversions. However... that dosnt change the facts. I took a MS Pacman, and added Plexi to the panel. Why?
Because the cracking and other wear as stated above. I also placed the Protector Discs on top of the control panels. Because I didnt like my micros to be destroyed by sticky soda... and gummed up by crumbs. And also, as mentioned here, the pinching that can come from the hole.
Looks are secondary when you are out to try to keep your games from being destroyed.
Plain and simple, the covers do work better on top... as far as protection goes. Nobody with any sense of intelligence can dispute that.
While spills and crumbs may not be an issue in a home enviornment... its still possible... and again, its still 'opinion'.
As for the reality... the covers are very lightweight and slick... so they wont easily scratch the plexi. In fact... felt may be more damaging. Think of when you tried to slide down a carpeted staircase 'rugburn!' The surface is un-even and the hairs rub to form
friction. They actually use fabric for polishing wheels - and at speed,
those seemingly harmless threads can cut metal! : )
You might see wear from the discs- but would take like 7yrs to notice it. Also, most of the non deep surface scratches can be buffed out easily.
Finally, get used to seeing a few scratches on plexi surface. They will occur no matter what. Jewelry, watches, cups, ect. Just have fun playing the cab... as thats much more important than a few scratches
; )