stock image off google, probably kashmir rhubarb.
That's Canadian Rhubarb, if I am not wrong...
pah - I will take a picture of my rhubarb with a thigh pad to prove it's genuine status as future pro rhubarb.
Vic - i think you haven't made your points particularly clearly as it is only in your post above that I agree with you.
I am not sure some of the photo's you have shown prove much or some of the evidence.
I think my issue is that - as Tom said very succinctly - all top end bats are made from English willow so as a result it is possible to buy a brilliantly performing bat which a pro might have chosen. The reason they look as if they perform better is because these guys bat for their living and are typically significantly better than the rest of us - thus the reverse effect of a bad workman blaming his tools is happening.
Andy Saf once said that a Pro walked into his work shop and his first comment was "mmm nice stickers" at which point Andy wanted to throw him out..