I bought a Gold Crown III, years ago (maybe 10 years ago out of a pool room). It needed cloth and I had all the metal powdercoated. I think I was in it $1500 all in. When I was buying, I was looking closely at the rail rubbers because I didnt want to have to replace it, I honestly didnt know what that would entail, but I thought it would be a pain. If it did need rails replaced I was going to go to the next one. I ended up with an incredible table and I consider myself very lucky.
IMO, getting a GC is the smart move because they are great tables for the buck. If you want to spend $5K + for Diamond thats okay too. I prefer the way GC plays. I will tell you that pool rooms are moving away from them and moving towards the Diamonds. If they have been maintained are you are able to get one of those at under $1K, I dont see how you can go wrong.
I wish you the best.
Ken