Imperial tables play ok. They're not gonna play like a Diamond or GC but they are an ok playing table. The way a table plays is alot about who sets it up. Get a good mechanic to set it up and I'm sure you will be happy. I sell new Imperial tables occasionally and my customers have been happy.
I'm really just settling now... I need a Pool Table to do my work on & get some practice. I've been without a pool table for 5 years....
I found a nice 10 year old (near new ) Imperial Augustine for next to nothing.... If the table plays OK, I may recover with Simonis & leave the rail cushions alone.
Yeah most imperial tables are not designed and built well. The company I used to work for occasional was contracted to install them. That being said, as long as it is installed well it will make a functional table to bang around on. But as said above the rubber is not consistent and either are the pockets.