Dan,
Six of one, half dozen of the other.
Pouring with a shot glass does not stop one's ability to preform flair. I
actually use a pouring shot once in a while to keep my hands in shape.
I have met bartenders who can't pour a good drink using a shot glass, those
who can't free pouring.
A shot glass doesn't stop anybody from overpouring, or underpouring. A shot
glass is the first exercise in flair. You'd be amazed at what you can do with
a shot glass.
When it is 10:30 on a Friday night and the crowd is really starting to
drink, it's time to put your toy away and produce.
I guess what I'm trying to say...is that back in the 1860's it was a
usefull tool, but now it's a cruch for the weak, and a toy for the experienced.
Fillup,