PRAT is like the old definition of pornography, I know it when I see (hear) it. I agree with many of the comments that you can kill it in the audio chain, but for me, if the source doesn't have it you won't pick it up down the chain. I slipped a Linn Ikemi into my system for a couple of weeks many years ago and the PRAT factor jumped at you--it was THAT noticeable. Same with TTs. I'm glad you got the VPI working for you, I never could and that's a big reason why mine is gone (mine was only a Classic One which replaced a Scoutmaster). I now have a Pure Fidelity Harmony with a PF-309 arm and (in my system) the PRAT and just pure engagement of that table just jumps out at you.
I believe I experienced great PRAT for the first time
Pace, Rhythm and Timing - I've often heard about it, mainly in the context of certain turntables, but I don't think I've really experienced it in a highly satisfactory way until today when I mounted my new Soundsmith Hyperion, an upgrade from my Sussorro. Halfway through side two of Stevie Wonder's Original Musiquarium, it suddenly dawned on me that there was more going on than improvements in clarity, detail, neutrality, bass punch and other rather specific traits that I've until this point used to refer to what I'm hearing. For the first time in the 30 years I've had this album, I was struck by a sense of flow, ease, relaxation, and my feet were tapping! Yes, this must be it. I connected with the music at a higher level just now, something new to me. Get all the details correct, and the PRAT appears in front of you. So, this was nothing to do with the fact that my turntable runs at the correct speed with low W/F, as it was performing well at that before. I had assumed that's what PRAT meant. Perhaps it means that too, in a speed stability sense.