I thought silicone was used because it allowed the balls to slide more in exhibition settings. What you are describing involves extra grip on the cushion, not slide, so I do not see how silicone would help!
He also had a disastrous skid to end a fantastic run, coming on the simplest of shots. I would not think a skid is consistent at all with silicone use. I don't know what is in cleaners -- but it seems like the stuff is mainly a mild, ultra fine buffing compound, with a very slight abrasive effect that is what cleans the balls. Maybe some of the cleaners add a little silicone to get a higher polish??
Your right Steve, Silicone would make the cb slide upon the cushion, and the shot I depicted sure did not slide. Did anyone else see that shot? It must of been on day 18 or so.
I cleaned my balls with some 409, then used liquid Turtle Wax, and wiped them dry. I marked two spots on the table which was a simple back cut into the corner. Using draw I got the least with dirty balls, a little more grab and slight angle change with 409, and with waxed balls it drew the cb back on a 15 degree more angle than that of the balls with only 409 applied.
This is what I am talking about when I said the cue ball was gripping the ob more than normal. The pockets excepted the waxed balls a measure better than non wax balls, although the turtle wax did not make them overly skid right into the pocket. But I was well pleased in how the balls were reacting, not so radical as when I use Pledge Furniture Wax. I guess I need to get up to speed on cleaning balls.
Mosconi probably started out with a clean set of balls, but that was probably it, no more cleaning. I believe the effect or a measure of the effect of cleaned balls would of worn off in 6-10 racks or so., a 1/2 hr. -3/4 of an hr., and continued to deteriorate from there on. Mosconi ran 526 in 2hrs & 20 min. So I can see quite an advantage in perpetually cleaning the cue ball, and also the other balls at times throughout the run. Whitey