[Bob Bidonde]

Other than Tom Endy's description of rubbing block wear, issues with ignition points can be traced to the condenser. As the condenser breaks-down electrically, the points deteriorate. Deterioration starts with frosting and eventually a crater and a stalagmite form on the points. As the condenser breaks-down, the engine performance degrades starting with a loss of power, then miss firing, possibly some back firing, and eventually the engine stops running / will not start.
Another issue with the function of the ignition points is a short circuit of the wire between the plates. A poorly grounded distributor will also degrade performance.