Sorry, didn't mean to offend. But this is why I got that idea.
' Perhaps it demonstrates how accurately the original stainless joint collar and pin were installed.'
Doc, compression fit shafts aren't that big a deal, any decent cue maker or repairman can make you some compression fit shafts but they will need the but to fit to.
Yes Barry started and ran the tournament for years with some growth but the real advancement of the event came while another man who worked with Barry actually ran the event. This was Bob Early and he ran a much better organized event than Barry ever did. And after Bob and Barry parted ways...
Just saying that's the only change I'm aware of, it could be something else but no one is offering what that could be. I'm just guessing but I would guess cigarette smoking is very common in the Louisiana culture around the bars and poolrooms.
In general the most expensive cues in the world are garbage. The either can't be played with like this one or they're just an ornate piece of crap like a couple of others I can think of.
Dean I've told players for years the best hustle out there is to learn and get better, those who beat up on you just can't seem to believe they can't win anymore
Best bridge head made is the Russo interlocking. Note they have a slot and lug so you can clip two together to get more height.
http://russobilliardbridge.com/