My layout specs have me close to pin near the bridge.  I know that the manufacturers advise that the pin be at least 1"from any finger hole for warranty, but if I wanted to ignore warranty concerns, but still put a pin close to the bridge (above or below), how close would you recommend?  Thanks!

If the pin gets too close, drill it completely out. That way, you have no threat of the ball cracking from the pin.

I will say every single one of my balls has the pin less than 1/4" from a finger hole and i have never had a ball crack on me. also i have never seen a warranty claim denied because the pin was too close to the finger holes.

i have heard about this 1" buffer from holes for cracking possibilities my whole life but the only time ive seen a ball crack from the pin is when you drill only part of the pin out. if your layout has one of the holes taking part of the pin out adjust to either take it all out or none of it out

Its more likely if you use grips or clip the pin in some way, whether on the surface or inside the hole. I will agree with Cheech that ive never seen a warranty claim denied for that reason.