One more thing. As far as tips not being right or popping off or whatever case may be.
Cue makers have enough on their plate with constructing a cue....(which is no easy task....try it someday). Take your shaft to your local guy and get it changed and stop whining.
I have never bothered any cue maker with tips. That's for the local guys who do it better than most cue makers anyway.
Considering 20% of the overall charge was for a premium tip, I'd say it matters.
Not trying to start sh*t, but your comment about locals putting on tips better than most cue makers, well I would be hard pressed to get a cue from someone who couldn't put on a tip correctly.