I think in many tournaments the high caliber players are not looking to play on the level but rather to "steal" for the exact reason you mention, they choose to perfect their craft at the pool table so they dont have money in the bank or one of those "loser jobs". We have some tournaments up here where Masters are not allowed, they complain loudly because of this, often saying now that they are good they cant compete in tournaments yet when there is a Master tournament held these same complainers dont show up to play. There is nothing wrong with unhandicapped tournaments, if the time comes when the same person wins week in and week out and only a handful of players show up they have a decision to make, cancel future tournaments or start handicapping, simple as that.
I hate to see this typical
"liberal" mindset in today's society, let alone in my beloved pastime.
What do you actually mean by "playing on the level"?
Is it equal opportunity? Or is it equal outcome?
Think about it though..there is a huge difference.
Equal opportunity would be, everyone's allowed to play, and no one is given preferential treatment.
Everyone who has the desire and devotion to improve, will generally do better. So if you sacrifice, you succeed.
That's fair. That's equal.
If you mean equal outcome, that everyone has chance to win, regardless of time, money, effort expended...well then why don't we just not keep score, give everyone a "hammer and sickle" trophy, and call it a day.
I don't begrudge the parlor owners attempts to maximize attendance, but if you dare to call yourself a "pool player," then suck it up!
Most popular pastimes/hobbies/competitive endeavors come with little, or no, payback. The best in those pastimes will often be lucky just to pay for their equipment.
On one hand I thank the leagues for keeping pool alive, but on the other hand I blame them for this pervasive
entitlement attitude we see in our community.
