i can't see how a joint makes a difference in consistancy. i would think that's more the shaft/tip's responsibilty. a 3c player will tell you that the conical taper of a billiard shaft, though stiff with lots of deflection, is predictable as there is very little fluctuation in the shaft. i don't think the joint adds to this.
as for softer/harder, that depends on how much metal is in either. i would think the brass insert in a piloted makes it harder. also, the piloted is a stronger, while the ff dispenses the force over a broader area of the cue, and that might come into play. it certainly feels like a piloted hits harder.
btw, you ARE comparing ivory ff to ivory piloted, yes?