heres my response...some may argue but this is my opinion.
I have played on numerous Pro and Pro-ams. If setup properly, I can not tell 1% of difference between the 2 except visual. I own a Pro-cut, 3pc slate diamond pro. It plays just like the local pro ams with 1 piece slate.
I think the pro looks much nicer and will give you an easier time to move upstairs and move in the future. I think the pro-ams look too "bar tableish" for me. I am honestly suprised how many people are going with the pro-ams lately. I understand the benefits of the 1 piece slate, but the drawbacks far outweight them IMO.
A good mechanic will be able to make the 3pc Pro play exactly the same as the 1pc slate.
Ian