Avodah Zarah 51: Not the Way It Was Done in the Temple

An idolatry that is served by using a stick, or breaking the stick, in front of an idol, the stick is then prohibited from use. If the stick were thrown, the (Jewish) person is still liable for idolatry, but the stick would not be prohibited for use. The issue may well be whether the practice itself were in use in the service in the Temple, and then recast for idolatry. Which raises a question about the rocks that were thrown in service of Mercury. Also, 2 mishnayot! On the worship on "bamot," altars that were outside of the Mishkan/Tabernacle, which were not always permitted in the time of the Mishkan and prohibited once the Temple was established. Plus, foodstuffs that were prohibited by virtue of idolatrous practices - even, under some circumstances, water and salt. Also, more on the specific idolatrous practices, for example, of Mercury, Pe'or, etc. Also, are there circumstances where that which was given to idolatry could be used? Plus, concerns of payment to pagan priests.