I'd pull out all the LED bulbs and see if the behaviour of the deck buttons work like you want.

Okay... so now I'm facing something I did not expect.

I went into the I/O test like Stayouttadabunker mentioned and tested all the buttons on the button panel... and every button works NORMAL. The tests on each button show a successful button press, even after pressing the button practically back-to-back. Of course, rapid back-to-back presses don't always trigger a response, but all buttons are actually very responsive.

So... the tests are showing the buttons working fine. Doesn't seem like anything is actually wrong here based on the tests, however, the test behavior is not the same behavior like I've been saying this whole time.

I'm attaching a picture of the MPU board from this machine. Is it possible that some chip in particular is enforcing something in regards to the space between button presses or something? It's a Top Dollar 2CM $50.

My other S2000 Hundred or Nothing works beautifully and is very responsive. I just don't understand this.

Pictures are hard.

A little update. I brought the machine to Worldwide Gaming, which is nearby and had them look at the machine. It did turn out to be some magical combination of settings that they figured out during the clearing process. They also updated my bill acceptor and replaced the stacker. All is working great now, just need to replace the candle and clean it up.

Thanks all for the help

OK.  That explains the hole in the bottom.  I can see below the handle where the plate used to be.  Can't see any magic marker.  Some time in the next few days I'll pull the chassis with the reels on it and see if I can obtain some numbers.  I presume this is necessary to determine what "coin hopper" I need?