The game was more interesting back in the day because most players were playing 14.1 and one pocket, the two most interesting and sklillful games.
There was far more room for creativity and imagination in those games than in rotational pool games.
The only things I find interesting about rotational pool today are the defense, the two-way shots and the extensive requirement for and use of billiard knowledge in both kicking and position play. They make rotational pool far more interesting than it used to be in the "two shot shootout" days, but still far less interesting than 14.1 or one pocket.
I don't find difficult shot making to be what makes pool exciting. Nonetheless, the risk/reward element used to be higher in the 14.1 days, because the top players were always a threat to run out the match given any open table. Guys like Lassiter and Caras, known for their willingness to take on very difficult shots in competition, would always wow the crowd.
Yes, I do understand that 14.1 and one pocket are not good TV games, but as they are both played extensively at Derby City, I'll do everything I can to make sure I never miss a Derby City Classic again.
I believe that "rack your own" ten ball, which inevitably comes with rack mechanics and pattern rackers, has brought pool to its least interesting form in my lifetime. Of course, the use of ten foot tables can, to a great extent, eliminate the advantage typically enjoyed by the player racking, as we saw at Derby City this January.
