People saying there is only one way is the main problem with the mechanics forum. There are many acceptable ways

I deal mostly with homeowners that are not recovering their tables like a pool hall does. There are more people who work in peoples homes than in pool halls. I am also a member of a FB group for mechanics and they are mostly those people. There are a lot of them!
Many of them only work on home tables, some use spray glue and others staples. Breathing that spray glue is terrible(probably just as bad as smoking cigarettes or worse) and I refuse to do it. I am very good at pulling staples and don't mind doing it. Unless of course someone used 3/8" in staples or some odd type of staple not used typically in our industry and then I still use my patience to pull them.
A nice Senco 1/4" crown staple is not difficult to remove. I do not buy or typically work on tables that have ROACHED out slate backers. I know what I want to do and what I don't. I realized in my first year that pulling staples is part of this job and I did not like it: I DECIDED THEN TO BE PATIENT WITH IT AND GET VERY GOOD AT IT.
I can install via both methods. I also created my own way of installing cloth via the adhesive edge bond concept. It does involve measuring, marking the cloth with lines and I also use the lines when using staples as well.
I have learned so much from this forum and I know others have and will as well. Sharing knowledge and networking with other mechanics & customers is a great benefit.
A pretty smart guy told me about his idea : Use 90a durometer neoprene on the bottom of the rails in the staple relief area and it would also work on the slate backer. The neoprene would hold staples and could be replaced.
The adhesives solvent based nature is my issue. Using it all the time is never going to be in my future.
I try to contribute and be a positive member of this forum. I also try to support others to do the same.
TFT
One of my favorite tools: I have 2