I have noticed that some of the better players tend to prepare the surface directly in front of the Jack prior to playing a shot by pressing down on the surface. This activity continues during the entire game. As this doesn't always involve filling in a hole, should it be aloud?

I would suggest that if they are a better player they would not need to play on a smooth or prepared surface.

It is contrary to the rule but is it just a social game anyway?

Perhaps it would just be simpler if they walked down the peist and placed their ball by the jack. This technique works very well for my five year old son he never looses when he plays this way.

a question for your question are they putting their foot down on the surface to direct their partner where to place the shot or are they changing the surface prior to playing themselves

Short answer: NO!

Quote:
"I would suggest that if they are a better player they would not need to play on a smooth or prepared surface."

Take a look at the following video from:
http://www.dailymotion.com/Le_parrain_84/video/1939149

You will see a player in yellow sweater touching (preparing) the ground before his partner shoots with his second boule, to win the game.

That player is Christian Fazzino, the player of the last century! It hard to find a better player than this one.

Marco Foyot does that regularly and in an important game last year against his long-time partner, it caused a scandal. So much that there is now a sanction against Marco Foyot.

Quote:
"It is contrary to the rule but is it just a social game anyway?"

Yes, it is contrary to the rule.
I guess you know that the best players don't do it in social games. Usually, contrary to sport-game good players, social game players play too fast!

Of course, they are changing the surface for either themselves or their partner as seen in the video.

Guy