My apologies for the long winded question. I have seen the video/s on youtube, that tests the various ferrule materials in terms of their Shore D hardness. My question is, does a "harder" ferrule always equate to a better ferrule material, or is it relative at all? I have been researching a new ferrule material, and have actually sourced the material, and a supplier. I have put it out there in the hands of a few cuemakers, and have received some decent, but very cursory initial feedback. The information I have thus far is far from complete, but optimistically promising. If my guess is correct, I believe the shore D score of my material would be in the realm of the original Westinghouse Micarta, which I believe was very highly thought of, by those who used/played with that material. At any rate, I plan on collecting some further information/data, before I even bother to pursue this stuff on a bigger scale, as it is NOT an inexpensive material. I would like to thank any, and all who weigh in on this issue, as it is indeed a continued learning experience for me. Thanks again. 
j2
j2