Your point is well taken and I appreciate your point of view. To spend for ornamentation on something inherently used for practical purposes seems excessive. To deprive more noble causes of the potential charity OR to contribute to far less noble actions like killing animals or adorn a case with their skin even further excentuates the question "WHY?"
I can only say of my personal "case utopia," made by Joe Whitten, that there are qualitative differences in its design that offer truly practical value.
Whitten cases were hydrometer tested (I think that is the devise) by Ernie of Ginacue and found to be the best at keeping moisture away from the cue. Opinions vary about cause and control measures for cue warpage, but when I store my ivory handled box cue, personal player or collectable Szamboti, I want the best. If Ginacue issues such a case with every cue, that says something of a practical nature for cue care.
Whitten cases have spring loaded shaft tubes. I prefer not to drop my shaft collars onto any surface that can affect the face or finish. I think the Whitten design is best in this regard too.
Lastly, I like the notion that Whitten cases last. Perhaps this may not be true for all users, but in my experience they wear like iron. I still use a 1X2 that Joe's father Dan made in his first year of operation. Same zipper, same leather, no restoration needed. I'm told these cases are so durable a cue can withstand being run over (not something I'll ever be testing)
Whitten Cases earned my business for practical reasons.
The fact that there is a thriving secondary market for these cases, that they can be uniquely customized, or that they can be adorned with rare leathers is great but secondary to their function.
I'm pleased to be buying American from a family owned and operated business. And oh yea...they stand behind their work. Did you ever meet the guy who built your cheap case? He may be 11 years old chained to a work desk...who knows. Moral outrage aside, Where is he when the clasp spring breaks? Joe is always at the show, facing his critics, competitors and customers. I pay more because with Whitten, I get more.
Like a great sportscar, 911 or other, some Whitten cases appreciate in value. Good luck selling that overseas pleather knock-off for anything, let alone the $50 you paid for it.
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Love that case. There is a spot for your chalk and even a sleeve for a jump cue.
