I think you're overthinking it. Honestly the break shouldn't make or break your game consistently against the level of players you're facing. I think more than anything you probably got unlucky and overthought yourself into losing. It happens. I know I've done it, and I bet everyone on this board has as well at some point or another.
Heck, i played a tournament a couple years ago where I decided to give away the break on every rack, and I still won the thing. In my defense It was my birthday and i indulged in a couple too many adult beverages and I was feeling my oats, so to speak. Also went through a period where I couldn't win a coin toss to save my life (about 9 weeks, IIRC), and I know i won most of those games. 60-70% probably.
If the break is that important to your game success, your game is the weak point, not your break. At least that should be the case against the players you say you've been facing.
Heck, i played a tournament a couple years ago where I decided to give away the break on every rack, and I still won the thing. In my defense It was my birthday and i indulged in a couple too many adult beverages and I was feeling my oats, so to speak. Also went through a period where I couldn't win a coin toss to save my life (about 9 weeks, IIRC), and I know i won most of those games. 60-70% probably.
If the break is that important to your game success, your game is the weak point, not your break. At least that should be the case against the players you say you've been facing.