In spite of all the nuttyness of this thread, I think there are some very important points that should have been adressed by anyone trying to break the world record:
1. Table inspection. The table in question should be inspected with levels and straightedges in order to detect any shaving of pockets or other slate/rubber shenanigans. This is especially important after the record attempt, but also before. Under no circumstances should anything be done to the table before inspections have been made.
2. A rail bounce test should also be included, IMO, to make sure they at least hold BCA standards. A stimp-meter sort of device should be used and its specs included.
3. Ball inspection. To ensure no silicone, teflon or other shenanigans. Balls should be in spec.
4. Marketing. Anyone would be well adviced to have a method of sale prepared in advance.
5. Public availability (not necessarily free, but at least available in some form, right after the attempt, not 2 years later).
6. Unbiased witnesses and inspectors (a given, I'd say).
7. A good idea, but maybe not a requirement would be a peer-review of top players of the discipline, hall of famers or high level referees which could have been appointed in advance.
8. I almost forgot that the markings on the table, including the foul line should be clearly and visibly marked, to avoid any tilting and that the perpendicularity (is that a word? English isn't my mother tongue) of this line should be especially thouroughly checked.
It's sad and shocking to me that anyone who bowls 300 three times in a row has to have their bowling balls inspected with scientific equipment, while a pool world record which has stood for half a century has nothing in the way of such requirements. I don't know John Schmidt and don't really have anything against him as a person. This is not really about him, but the sport and its reputation. Had such inspections been made and the requirements met, most of the naysayers wouldn't have had a leg to stand on. Sadly, due to the lack of such preparations and the lack of general video availability, the speculations will continue to spread.