The wife has said she is ok not doing a pool table but I'm still torn. Not to mention that saving for a nice one is still a few years out. In the mean time she said, "arcade machines would be cooler."
Your wife is right. Pool tables are great if you have the space but think how many games you could get down there instead. How about, instead of a pool table, you opt for a shuffle puck bowler? Much less space required, just as fun, and the leftover room can be used for pins and vids.