Pool is where it is for a lot of reasons and in the South has developed a severe demographic problem. Most of the people in this area that play leagues dont care to get better because that means they would have to practice and that costs money they dont have.
Its sad but true. The bar and kitchen makes much more money than the tables. When a nice place comes in unless they locate in a place with significant foot traffic and eyeball appeal its just a matter of time before you hear of them closing.
I miss having a place that care enough to want to develop some pool culture so that there is someone around to play. The owners of most places dont care to market pool as part of their businesses because its a draw that doesnt make them money.
I enjoy playing someone for 3 to 5 hrs I dont play leagues, I love competition and am starting to get out and hit a tournament now and then but dont care for them really.
If I had enough friends that had tables Id go to their homes and never walk into another pool room and wouldnt miss it because around here theres really no one there anyway.
When the economy is better and people have a little expendable money, you will see them again. That may never happen except in the urban areas.
I agree with a lot of what you wrote:
I have many fond memories of the hours upon hours dad and friends would play and play, then play some more. Stories,... beer drinking,...trick-shot competitions, then more game play.
What you say about southern league players apply here in rural up-state NY as well. People get better, but it is the minority as most fall to your description.
I would love to open up a "members only" kind of room here, but there is no foot traffic for regular business let alone a private "rec room."
I may have been a bit tough in my prior post, but again that is what I see.