First off let me explain. I didn't state "average league bowler". I make this statement to most league bowlers and I refer all bowlers and even some above 200 average. Maybe my percentage was high, but it wasn't meant to be snobbish.
I base my statement on observations:
1st - Area. Bowlers today do not need to aim like they would with plastic. It's more of getting the ball right or keeping it in an area. There is no need for precision on THS.
2nd - Carry Percentage: Plastic just doesn't carry like reactive, so in turn the bowler is going to leave pins after the first shot (Another issue - will be point 3). Spare shooting is not practiced by most league bowlers. Unfamiliar territory.
3rd. - Mental Aspect - Since striking is going to be more challenging, most league bowlers today will get frustrated. Each year I see more bowlers looking back in disgust (stating they wer robbed) after they put a reactive ball in the pocket. Imagine what is going to happen with them throwing a plastic.
4th. - Mechanics of their Swing: Most bowlers have naturally been throwing the ball to the right (or left on leftside). It something that will cause frustration, throwing a plastic out and it doesn't recover.THS and reactive balls have created this expectation.
5th - Styles. I also base off the various throwing styles. I see some terrible bowling styles. Just when I think I have seen them all, I see new ones each year, that have me scratching my head. Most these styles will not work with a plastic ball. The only reason these styles work is the combination of THS and having a reactive ball in their hand. They keep their terrible throw and find an angle and position on the approach that works. And on a THS almost anything works.
If you played basketball for years, and the basket was only 8 feet high and 25% wider, and your ball was 30% smaller, Imagine how difficult its going to be with a regulation hoop and ball.
Think about. How many times you hear bowlers complaining about conditions (low and high average bowlers). So what do you think is going to happen when you put them in a challenging situation? I will state some will figure it out, but I think most will give up and quit. They will not be able to handle the 40 - 50 pin drop in average.
Why? EGO
So what is the solution. Promote the tough condition. Educate these bowlers. Okay...not put them down...but how hard is that going to be. They are bowling on an easier condition. It's not knock on them....it is what it is.
In my basketball example what is more impressive. A guy having a 95% shooting percentage with the smaller ball, 8 foot larger hoop, or another guy having 85% at with things at regulation size.