Yeah, there are a lot of factors in cleaning pool balls, especially the type of cleaner used and the moisture content of the air where the table is. I use a product called Brillianize, which does a good job of cleaning/polishing, but after its use it takes a day or two for the balls to "break in". Until then the balls slide, or bank wide. Ironically it's easier to draw the CB, which I haven't quite figured out.
IMO the trickiest climate in terms of good results in cleaning pool balls is a humid one, like down here in the deep South. I've used one or two other cleaners with bad results, like automotive finish cleaners. I'm beginning to wonder if just good ole 409 cleaner might be as good as anything. I haven't tried it, but it seems to me that it would take the grit and grease off the balls without leaving a residue. I don't know what product they use in the average poolroom commercial cleaner.