Looking at how something is built does not create lineage, copying what you looked at does however. If Greg HAD copied anything from a GC, he did so miserably. Gandy top rails come off in one section, so does AMF commercial pool tables. Their frames are closer to that of a GC than Diamonds ever were, which in the beginning sucked being built out of plywood standing on edge. If Greg would have copied the GC rails, he'd have nevery started out using wood screw mounted nut plates silver dollar sized to bolt the rails down when Brunswick was using the floating capture nut system, which was the best system there was at the time to mount the rails. No, I totally dissagree that Greg did any coping of a GC what-so-ever because the two different tables share absolutely nothing in common other than they both have slate, cushions, sights, and pockets....just like all other pool tables do.
You are entitled to your opinion as well as I.
Several of the items you mentioned that they didn't use was because where Diamond got started, they did not use those parts. I still say they have more in common than you want to admit from their beginnings. I will also admit that they are light years apart today. We should just respect each other's opinions on the matter.