I've had many cues worth several thousand dollars apiece. It never mattered to me how it went into the case. I've never had a joint screw break, and until the last 15 years, never had joint protectors. With the old George 1x2 cases you had to position joint up/tips down, or the exact opposite, or it wouldn't fit properly in the case.
Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com