The fine detail work that is possible with this glass is fabulous. WORTH the struggle with shockiness. See the Bear noses for example.
I struggled with the the pink the most, but as soon as I got the little Potpourri Crock Pot and preheated the rods things went much better!
I pulled thick stringers to work with and had NO shockiness by the way.
So glad to have a glass for a great price and such sturdiness!