I am one of the many who was disappointed when the OG Melee came out. The Versa-Max is one of my favorite balls of all time by any manufacturer, and the Melee did not live up as the replacement it was billed to be.
I have now come to appreciate the Melee for what it is, and not what it was supposed to be. For me, this ball is all about a controllable line to the pocket under all but the driest and wettest of conditions. I played around with the surface and settled on 3000 abralon. This allows me to play on virtually every lane condition I see. I've been enjoying it so much lately that it's the only ball I am carrying, using it exclusively for strikes and spares.
For me, the Melee makes it easily through the fronts and mids and has a gentle arc on the backend. No big hook. No explosive strikes. But always 100% predictable.
I'm considering rounding this out with a Melee Cross and Jab. Could be a great 3-ball arsenal!
If it helps, my PAP is 4 3/8 over and 1/16 up. Revs about 225 and slower speed. Glad I went pin under on this or I don't think I could use it as much.