Nobody wants a fair game anymore, they all to to 'seal the deal',
I agree with this so much I could scream. Yeah, if a better player wanted to give a lower player a handicap to make things interesting, then fine. But, don't come to me on some BS, gentleman's bet or otherwise! I'd play someone who's a little better than me straight up because that's going to help me become a better player. For money, as long as we are in agreement, I'd want a spot because we know each others pros and cons. But like I said, if we are in "agreement" of how this is going to go down.
Also, if I wanted to gauge where my skills were as far as my game goes, I'd want to play the best person to test me as well. I don't want someone who place 30th in the US Open, but at the same time, I don't want to play a true 2 or 3 APA either. There has to be a medium where you can find a good challenge without trying to hustle someone (unless that's what you choose to do...) and get better at your game.
One thing I've noticed about some road players or money players is that most of them do have a consciece and WILL NOT play you if they know you are not on their level. I've had some say, "If you want to get better, play for a little money. Don't play for that much, but play a better player so you can get better...it's the only way". I've had others say, "Man, don't worry about gambling man, just practice and find someone who'll teach you and go to some tournaments. I'll show you some things if you want." See what I mean?
I honestly feel, that if I ever met O.H.B., and I wanted to learn the game from him and how to become a good "player" and explained what my goals are (i.e. to get good enough to beat him LOL! j/k O.H.B.) for tourneys, as long as I pay for the time, I think he'd probably show me a few things. Now I don't know O.H.B. like that, but I'm sure he's probably done this for someone who's wanted to make some money at the game of pool, road or tourney player. Another thing I had to learn, let your game do the talking for you. People will know you can play by watching you. No need to open your mouth, to me, that shows no class.
If you are old, I suggest to those that want to make up lies to try reading as slow as you move. Maybe I should just realize that if someone can't spell they probably just have no reading comprehension either.