What I remember as the "Team USA" pattern from the Zones had the pin 1" above the thumb, the CG south-east from the pin and an X-hole on the pin-CG line, but I don't recall the distance.

That sounds right, backupball.  Do you know where the pattern came from and why it was used with zones?

I guess that is a modified version on the Rico pattern.  Not sure how dropping the pin below the center grip line affects the reaction.

when the overall diffs were lower you could lower pins and not worry as much about flare rings the way we have to today. There were many balls we would use left handed full roller layouts (or pin in the 4:30-5 range) to get the balls to respond slower but more throughout the lane.
Layouts are as much personal as trying to play certain patterns only certain ways. Try to use remember SURFACE dictates more of the overall reaction as well as length and the layouts enhance them. Most of the 'better' players stick with specific pin distances to control initial flare and adjust pin height as well as facilitating a weight hole. Trick layouts generally come to play in not only extreme situations but as well as on extreme conditions. Understand when building an arsenal having trick balls can only complicate the arsenal. Keep it simple...understand what you are bowling on and how you want the ball to respond as well as slow down.