I’m sure a lot of us #fountainpens users have OPINIONS about ballpoints. I certainly do! But as someone who is also a cursive writer, I found this article in the Atlantic fascinating. Thought you would, too. Do you have any use for ballpoints? https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2015/08/ballpoint-pens-object-lesson-history-handwriting/402205/
How the Ballpoint Pen Killed Cursive

Thicker ink meant it didn't smudge as easily as its predecessor, the fountain pen—but it also made writing by hand more physically demanding.

The Atlantic
@krystynlambert I’ve read this article as well, and it is right that ballpoints are extremely ill-suited for cursive. However, ballpoint tech is getting a lot better, and there are some that are excellent, like Uniball Jetstream and Pilot Acroball. The Uniball Jetstream also comes in Parker-size refill, which fits pens including the Retro 51 rollerball and Parker Jotter ballpoint. So you can get a nice pen body with a good writing experience for when you need the advantages of a ballpoint.
@paradoxmo wow! Nice points. Thanks!!