I believe it's like most things. Cheap sucks and I mean cheap, not inexpensive. Once you get to a certain level of quality, everything else is just personal preference and artwork.
If you are playing with a cheap warped cue with screw on or slip on tips, then yes, a new expensive cue will help your game. If you are playing with a $150 Schmelke and get a $2k or higher custom, you probably won't play substantially better.
I seriously doubt many people believe buying a custom will make them a better player. I suck equally with all my cues and they range from $300 to $2k. I can still name a long list of customs I would buy if I was worth more. Has nothing to do with playing better.
I once bought a drag car. I did not think it made me Don Garlits.
If you are playing with a cheap warped cue with screw on or slip on tips, then yes, a new expensive cue will help your game. If you are playing with a $150 Schmelke and get a $2k or higher custom, you probably won't play substantially better.
I seriously doubt many people believe buying a custom will make them a better player. I suck equally with all my cues and they range from $300 to $2k. I can still name a long list of customs I would buy if I was worth more. Has nothing to do with playing better.
I once bought a drag car. I did not think it made me Don Garlits.