12,
It's all about business sense. Independent alleys have that one alley to worry about cost. They can make quick business decisions based on there need for change. AMF/Bowlmor is a global business that has to keep their decisions uniform for the business as a whole. What they are also trying to do is drive out leagues (which is a horrible decision). The shot is based on what they are willing to put out to keep people somewhat happy. You may not like the shot, but the more units you put out, the more accurate the Avg Joe has to be. The Avg Joe is what drives leagues, keep them happy and you have a league. Piss them off and they disappear.
As far as the shot, it's supposed to be bone dry after the oil ends. If not the balls would go 60 ft. The oil, for THS is never outside of 5 in heavy concentration. You have to know what you are looking at and adjust accordingly. With my rev rate and lack of speed, My RotoGrip Shatter covers the lane on most of what I bowl on. Rarely am I getting to use surface. Oil will not be put on most lanes unless there is either a sport pattern, or some tourney that justifies the amount of units.
My suggestion, get a low end pearl or solid.