Some good observations in this thread, but a worrying percentage of the comments are a result of several generations of missguided faith in American exeptionalism...
If USA isn't best, the system is rigged or the terms are wrong, or European players who live in USA shouldn't be allowed to play for team Europe etc.
It's the failiure to see reality for what it is, that's what Johan is commenting on.
If pool in USA is to be governed by individuals and the only motive is money, the problem will only get worse with time. Bar tables aren't just cheaper, you can fit more of them in on a given space, thus making more money pr square feet...
If USA isn't best, the system is rigged or the terms are wrong, or European players who live in USA shouldn't be allowed to play for team Europe etc.
It's the failiure to see reality for what it is, that's what Johan is commenting on.
If pool in USA is to be governed by individuals and the only motive is money, the problem will only get worse with time. Bar tables aren't just cheaper, you can fit more of them in on a given space, thus making more money pr square feet...