"Shifty Bridge??"

[hang-the-9]

There is a tradeoff to be decided between tradition and innovation.
Bob Jewett
Agreed, BUT that does not mean that someone else will try to change the game.
Back to my boyhood and the Football analogy.
1970's Football,............... was all about running backs Calvin Hill, Larry Csonka, Big John Riggins. It was smash-mouth football, all run, little pass.
Then comes coach Bill Walsh and the SF 49'ers. Predominately passing with more than the (then) 2 wideout receivers.
That changed Football, known as the west-coast offense it dominated the game.
So,
Suppose a majority rules new change in the game of pool??
Would such devices change the game? Think LD shafts, jump cues ,and Phenolic tips.

This is more of a coaching thing than an equipment thing. It's not like the 49s used two footballs or changed the field layout. This is more like Bustamante shooting behind his back when most players don't. Or Earl using his full cue to jump. Or SVB getting so good at the break simply by practice. Being creative without crossing the line into ludicrous is where we and the rule writers as experienced players need to keep the rules. The best example may be the soft pattern rack break, it changed the game too much, and many saw that and made rules against it. I don't see too many people complain that happened, yet those same people are fine with jump cues, which to me reeks of irony and hypocritism. Most that want the jump cues in the game see an advantage for them to use it, selling them or using them, not as a neutral outsider that just weighs the game change for challenge vs the ability to jump.