The only opponent in pool is the table, that's why the best always prefer the long race and winner break. Alternate break, tournaments, short races, in a way favor the weaker player and by changing to these formats, pool has suffered, a player no longer has to strive to be the greatest, no matter the game. Just ask The Pearl, SVB, Efren, on and on...
Is it better to have many winners due to various formats or rules, or to have a few champions that reach major acclaim therefore the world has something to be interested in? In the history of all major sports, a few become truly great, the youth became interested, and the rest in history. If we want pool to be popular, we need to win the young people.
Kids aren't interested in a game they can't play until they're 21...just saying