A short pin-to-PAP distance basically creates a (very) early rolling ball, almost killing its break point. While the reaction shape might superficially look like a urethane shell's, the ball dynamics are very different.
It's a very special layout, IMHO useful on lanes with good head oil (it tends to burn up easily!) and spotty back ends (where urethane is not really useful!), when you need control and not a huge, flippy reaction with a sudden change of direction. You can still make such a ball hook, thoiugh, through release changes.
I have a vintage Particle Power Groove, because of its high RG and rel. strong RG differential, drilled up this way and polished for use on medium to lightly oiled, spotty lanes. This ball fills a narrow niche in my league/tournament bag, it is VERY special, and not a urethane alternative.