Royce, I did get your point and I did not intend to start a debate or argument with you but was rather only attempting to add a point of view that I felt would be helpful to those that want to promote more fan/spectator participation in their tournaments.
I do not know the intricacies of table manufacturing but I do know a lot about building display fixtures. In my business when we need to utilize the space given us to the maximum advantage we sometimes build a custom fixture to fit. While it is easier to cut to a particular pattern and assemble a number of the same fixtures it is not that much more costly to make a few custom adjustments to better suit what we have to work with and maximize our sales results. As I said, it is not my intention to argue this point and I fully accept that I do not know what is involved but I had understood that it was not that difficult to customize rails and pocket sizes. Again, my point was simply that it would be beneficial to present our sport in a way that would help build the fan base. I was thinking less of a market for these tables (other than pro tournaments) and more of a market for professional pool.
I also find that the vast majority of league players are more avid than how they have been described in some of the posts in this thread. I know that most are not exposed to the opportunity to watch the pro’s play, live or on a stream. I was only able to become an avid fan after finding and joining AZ Billiards (my journey to identify and buy a proper cue is a story in itself). I would venture that most league players do not have a grasp on what is going on at the pro level because they have not been made aware of the resources available. I am still surprised (I shouldn’t be) when I mention a tournament or a live stream and someone who has played for a number of years in the league has no idea of what I am talking about. When I refer them to AZ live stream forum they are often unaware that it exists.
For these reasons I use myself as a barometer when thinking about how to make pool more widely acceptable as a fan experience. I love pool, want to watch good pool, have travelled many miles to attend live tournaments as a spectator, am probably one of the few who pays for the Mosconi Cup stream official source knowing up front that it is available on a free stream and the free stream is a better quality and yes I watch the free stream because of the quality but believe that one must support these events so I also pay. If I, the pool fanatic, find some matches between the top players boring how can the casual fan, or more importantly, new fans, be brought into the fold? My opinion is based on what the Bigfoot challenge and the China 8 Ball has shown me.
As an aside, I also have been surprised at the comments of rude league players. It is not something that I have experienced having played in many different league environments. In my travels I have visited many different pool halls and bars with pool tables and have found the regulars to be welcoming and gracious.
Respectfully,
Jerry
