Skin,
I have always felt, that anyone I can beat even, I can give up 9/8. And that goes likewise for anyone who can beat me even.
The big difference is when you start talking 9/7, 8/6, all the breaks, etc.
I know, for example, anyone I have way the best of it with, I was always (well almost always) able to go up in the balls I needed, compared to the balls the avg. B or C player needed to make. For instance, if I could keep the guy going to 8 balls, I could often go well into the teens, before he could get 8.
A big difference, IMO....is when you start matching up those 8/4, 8/5, type games. I'm sure Rod, Senor, and others will agree, thats a whole different ball game.
Your margin for error, or risky shot taking...goes way down. Even if you are playing a novice 1P player, if he can draw his ball, he'll get some if you screw up too much.
I have given up some ungodly spots, but you really need to be careful. Because as long as the guy you are playing, has even minimal smarts and pool skills, he will figure out that you are rarely going to put a 10-12, or 14 and out on him.
Henceforth, while he knows he can't out move you...HIS risk reward goes way up, and if he figures that out...you could be in big trouble if you have money frozen up.
I point these things out, not only from the outlook of the better player, but for the weaker player's to help them match up better.
San <---may have become a "knocker" in his old age..