Pleased to say that the game arrived in good condition. Can see why there may be warpage. The boards are noticeably thinner than 30 years ago. Also didn’t realize it is a 3 piece board.
Might go with a 3/4" interior AC ply as a backer (apply with contact cement maybe ?). Cost as much as the game but I just don’t see the boards holding up. Buddy is in a semi arid zone, so maybe not as big a issue in wetter climes.
Box itself was a little sketch (not completely true/flat) as well as shipping container. Didn’t open the plastic dudes up but looked at them all. Seemed okay. Put it all back together with a few pieces of clear tape so the recipient can still get the Christmas rush of opening it up.
Overall, high marks here. Almost didn’t buy it after reading this thread. Glad I did.