Marty,
I read your post with interest as I designed the LEGEND table. However afterwards we parted (on good terms) as I was more focused on the subtleties of the game and the promotions.
Its amazing that something so simple as a ball texture can be SO IMPORTANT!!! You wouldn't judge DODGER stadium on a batch of poor baseballs, but then foosball is such a personal play experience. The factory got the texture wrong and i wanted to correct it before any tables shipped, but I guess that has not been addressed. With the right ball I believe you should have a lot more versatility when you get accustomed to the Legend table.
The back wall sounds like a QC issue that should have been caught at the factory. You may actually be able to loosen the top end wall/tie rod and adjust this a little. Again whats interesting here is that you are comparing a brand new design, one you are not really used to playing on, with a table that has evolved over thirty years and from what you are saying they at least compare similairly.
I will introduce a JLS, Johnny Lott Signature table in July and you're welcome to purchase the faster balls from me as my table play characteristics-wise will be similair.
thanks,
Johnny Lott
PS contact me at 951-531 7329 I have a couple of questions for you.