As far as that botched install on that gentleman’s gc, there is no excuse for that. To pay that much $ and have have a bad install is complete bullsh*t and reflects badly on Brunswick. Perhaps I’m not as forgiving as some.
I like GC tables and I like diamond blue label tables too.
To me, there isn't much difference between 6k and 10k for something that's gonna last a lifetime.
Thing is, most don't keep their tables their entire life. Most tables end up for sale when they move or just stop playing and then it's taking up valuable real estate so, again, it goes up for sale.
Not to mention, some tables are difficult to get perfect unless your mechanic is very experienced, whereas other tables are extremely easy to get almost perfect regardless of who the mechanic is.
All of ^^^^^^^^^^^ brings me to vvvvvvvvv
If buying a new table, and if the person's worried about getting most of the initial purchase price back...well....lol..with a GC it's out of the question. I don't know why but, it's really hard to sell a GC unless it's at yard sale prices ( IN MY AREA). They are great tables when set up right...dunno.
On the other hand, diamond tables ( IN MY AREA ) hold their value extremely well.
Now, as far as playability of each, well, that's nothing more than opinion.
Bottom line:
Someone that wants to get his money back if they sell and have an easier time installing and better service from the manufacturer in case there is a problem?.....diamond all the way.
On the other hand, someone that don't care if they have to almost give it away when selling and don't mind having to look for one of the few mechanics that can actually set a GC up right?......a GC is a great option. Especially if looks are important. GC's are beautiful regardless of how they are set up...just gorgeous.
I'm like you, I will get what I pay for, otherwise there will be a problem. I don't mind paying a premium price, as long as I get a premium product and service.
To me, diamond provides both. Their tables are most definitely premium and their service is second to none....win/win.
GC's, well...service after the sale will be a tossup depending on who the installer was and I don't like being at the whims of an individual that may or may not be in business next week or month, not to mention, several years later.
Buying a new pool table isn't a small thing and it's a pretty big undertaking for some. I can see the pros and cons from both tables depending on what someone was looking for.
Jeff