I have been following this thread with a lot of interest, as I had also had a nasty experience at the Four Queens. Though fortunately it didn't get that ugly.

But what I would like to comment one is what Eric said about the Hard Rock. I guess I was extremely lucky when I was there in April! I played on one of the machines that had a few strikes in two cylinders, about 10 in another and the Pink Taco cylinder was nearly full. The others were empty. I experienced a good hit frequency and quickly emptied the two short stacks and then started in on the other one. I then cleared that out so that all was left was the Pink Tacos. I played on that for quite a while and the only cylinder it landed on was the PT one. Never had a "tilt", a fill, or any visit from any slot person. Had a great time by the way!

So, either the machines act/react however they want, I was abnormally lucky, or no one really knows how they determine what cylinder they land on!