A pool cue came into being with the primary purpose which is function. So all cuecraftsmen are expected to be able to come, at least, at par with the functional level that cues have reached at present. It is the entry point as indicated in the Blue Book of Pool Cues as Level 1. Ideally, every cuecratsman is expected to satisfy this level before being able to proceed to the next. I guess this is why the ACA required that such level 1 cue be submitted as part of the application for membership as this at least guarantees the consumers that they're getting a product that satisfies the primary requirement of a cue.
It's ok to stay in this level but sooner or later a reason to produce higher level cues will come along and most specially if you're in it for the money. Competition will come when you hit a bigger market, additional capital outlay for materials and equipment to keep up with demand and just increasing need of a growing family can push you to find ways to stay competitive if not just stay afloat.
My reward is my finished product, the mental satisfaction gained along the way and the friendships developed. Those are the main reasons for what you see in "Bandido's Cues" everything else just follows.
