I play in an entire league (300+) players and I would bet money on the fact that less than 10 people even know who Tim Scruggs, Gina, Searing, Black Boar, R. Black, or any other well known cue maker is. I have guys all the time that know I collect cues ask why I shoot with a piece of crap house cue (it's in flawless condition). I tell them it's a Tim Scruggs and they say who? Then they say wouldn't you rather shoot with my Predator P-2, Poison or even this cool McDermott?!!! When I tell them what it is worth, they say I got really ripped off. Who would pay that kind of money for a cue! Ummmm, I would!!
So yes, people are OFTEN fooled by Sneaky Petes. I would say that there are 5-10 customs in the league. My Scruggs (or whatever else i shoot with), 2 Bryan Mordts, a Joss Custom, and a handful of Philippino cues. Most people use low-end Predator's, Meucci's or McDermott's. Most people wouldn't know a "good" custom cue if it bit them in the ass, even some really amazing shooters.
R,
Greg