Guys, guys, guys.
The darker shade of pink was to complement the new serifs on some of the prize wedge letters.
No, wait. Brand-new camera technology of 1986 finally made it possible for a darker shade of pink to be featured on the wheel, just as Merv had always intended.
There was a shortage of white paint in the mid-80s.
It was a subtle anti-gay message.
(You know, I notice these little things about TV shows, too. But then I realize they're completely inconsequential, and don't ask hundreds of people about them. The More You Know.)