This is just my opinion, If you can't break with your playing cue then it isn't worth having. I break with mine every time I break. All in all it is basically what you are comfortable with.
I thought they would have this fixed by now. Somebody please tell me when we can change our avatars. I even tried photobucket and it won't let me do anything there.
I agree with you 100% If I won a tournament I would want my pic with my winnings. But this from a amateur point of view. What is the point in playing in something and winning if you don't want to be recognized.
I have used a dollar bill before it does smooth one down pretty good. Some idiot told me to use baby oit at the bar last nite. I told him I would buy it if he would use it on his and he did. Another wasted shaft.
I started playing in a grocery store. They had 2 bar boxes. Then moved to shooting in bowling alleys and bars. No mentors I am self taught. That is probably why I am not a pro.