Call a few guys that move Pool tables. They take them apart and put them back together so they know how they are built and the material they are built with. I know a man that does that and he told me Diamond tables are junk. Built with particle board. I just saw a beautiful 9' Gold Crown on FB...
Sure Efren won plenty with a standard shaft but for most of his carrier there were no carbon fiber shafts available. You say you have been playing only 7 months so I wouldn't expect you to feel the difference. An experienced player can move the cue ball around better, and get a better transfer...
When I bought my Predator Jainil Panthera from the Predator Group I ordered the Revo shaft. They gave me 30 days to decide. I already had the Cutec Synergy on my other Cue and a Table in my basement. For 30 days I experimented then scent the Revo back for the 314-3. Then ordered another Cutec...
It's really personal preference. No two players have the same stroke so what is good for one player could be bad for another player. I would suggest going to a big Pool store and trying a few to see what works best for you.
As your game improves you will learn how to use english to prevent MOST scratches. Not all but most. If their is no way to prevent the scratch then play safe.
I have the Predator Medium on my 314-3 and my Cuteck Cynergy. Very low maintenance. I play 5 days a week and so far no mushrooming in 2 months. The best tip I have played IMO
If they are replacing cloth and cushions, it can be done in a few hours. What else could ware out and need to be refurbished?? That type of work is usually done right in the Pool room. If they shipped them out it adds a lot of time and makes me wonder what else they could be doing to them.