I 2nd Doc's comments!
You get out of the game what you put into it. How discipline are you in approaching all the that the game offers, for this is the only way to reap its benefits. Mastering all the disciplines of the break, opening up balls, maneuvering balls, throw shots, kiss shots, and most important of all is playing exact positioning on your next intended ball.
Jim Rempe once ran out a set, I guess 125 or 150 or so, when his opponent needed only a few, but it was ugly, lucky, and he was all over the place. He stated; "I hated that run it was horrible, I'd rather run 30 balls and get the shape I intended.
Straight Pool can be played sloppily for there are so many shot options but for me that is when the game gets ugly, and there is nothing more boring than watching or playing a player that can not play their intended shape. And what is funny they think they are a straight pool player to boot.
When I was getting ready to play a straight pool match, I would in the days leading up to it, practice shape within an 1/2" - 1", if I didn't get it I would shoot the shot over and over till I did. This develops the fine muscles motor skills necessary to get the touch needed to pull off all these short shots.
Straight pool is a magnificent, beautiful, elogant game when played right.
Keith Thompson did a thread on the benefits of Straight Pool, I would suggest looking it up in the archives. Good luck! Whitey