Hey we finally agree on something. I always said the funniest lines I've ever heard were in poolrooms, not from some comedian on TV. And you came up with some dandies yourself.
In those days, a pooplayer had to be a one man road show, to generate action. Part comic, part grifter, part salesman, part hustler and full time player. That could describe Cornbread, Puckett, Ronnie, Jersey Red, Danny, Ervolino, NY Blackie, Shorty, Richie From The Bronx and many more. What a blast to hang around with these guys and watch them play. Like you, i wouldn't trade that time for anything.
And they were not outlaws or thieves. They were poolplayers. Everyone knew who the treacherous ones were. And yes, Whitey was at the top of every list.