They are popular because they play good. However that is for those that like the way they play, there are people that do not like Bushka's, Szam's, Searings, and everyone else so hearing someone say they don't play good talking about any cue is just an OPINION. They have good quality and have been around. Laurie has always been approachable and out of "active" cuemakers the SW brand holds a lot of weight. The top 4 most copied cues in the world, IMHO are Szam's, Bushka's, Gina's and SW.
People don't realize if SW decided not to make another cue, she could still run the business doing repairs, refinishes, shafts, etc.. for Kersenbrock and SW cues and never be broke.
As far as getting one, if you like them great then buy one, but don't slam them because you think the market is too high, or you don't like the wait time. Move on.. there are plenty of other choices.
This is the only market, where there is less participation, cue collectors are dying and / or getting out, production c/f cues are obliterating customs in sales, YET there is a new cuemaker or dealer / flipper, every 30 seconds.
JV