I can empathize. I sometime play where there’s a beat barbox with a crap plastic triangle, and even tapping the corner balls won’t get you a tight rack. In situations like that, normally the racker makes an honest effort, but has to eventually just give up trying. Once aware that a tight rack is impossible, the games usually speed up & everyone gets a slug rack. The idea that a player could whip out a template and then rack for himself though is ludicrous. I guess the issue is how much resulting difference between a nearly-tight rack and a truly sloppy one (?). My aversion to templates really relates to when equipment is pro grade. I’m sure coin-op owners at least would prefer a template rack .
Dyno, in the late 80' and early 90's I traveled and played all over, and ended up purchasing a Word Works rack/outta TX.... I Always carried it along when I went to a bar table event, due to the racks and equipment was often shabby.
It was a definite advantage for me, not my opponent.
Early 90's in a match playing Buddy Hall he didn't like it.... Buddy asked if he could use my rack when he racked for me, I smiled.... said, ''can I use your break cue''.
.
