+1. With John P. And I will add that gradient line holes are more suited for asyms, you'll do more with those than holes down the VAL.

1.) Yea, his numbers are like a little less than 300 total, counting the unsanctioned ones.

3.) with my axis rotation and mid to lower speed, I like using shorter pin to PAP's, my BM is 85x3.25"x45 on syms(basic label) and 75x3.5x35 on asyms. I can adjust the VAL angle bigger on asyms for stronger or smoother balls. I like to use P2-P3's, I only used DT holes on weaker balls.

5.) The bowtie will adjust with the flare of the ball. More flare, wider bowtie, more ball coverage. I will tell you I'm not fully informed enough to tell you anymore than that.

Yea, That short pin distance works on most patterns with the right ball and surface. The objective is to get the ball rolling early and getting it to roll forward for a bit longer. It also helps recover on off tosses. On asyms, it helps reduce flare and makes the asym usable on THS.

As far as Louis goes, I'm pretty sure it's around 175 sanctioned. He reeled off 20 in a row to start a league set this season and finished with 793. I think he's got 5-300's and 2-800's already this season just from what I know.