It us about deflection,  but a well thrown ball can still deflect too much deoending on the oil pattern and transition.  One thing people dont understand is that increased entry angle does not decrease deflection, just changes the direction the ball deflects.   It is the rotational energy still being released that minimizes deflection.

I'm fully aware that lots of off shots strike. I would venture that I only throw a shot or two each week that I feel was perfect off my hand.

Far too many feel if the ball hits the pocket they executed well, when often they really only see the result of where the ball ended up, not how the lane guided a less than well executed shot to the pocket. And many league bowlers I dare say wouldn't know a well executed shot if it bit them.

So you have to define what is a well thrown shot.

I contend if you get your speed, rotation, and release as you wanted and hit your intended target it was a well thrown shot, a well executed shot. The fact that thru external factors the ball did not flush the pocket doesn't diminish that. Now 99% of the time the well executed shot will hit the pocket solidly but not every time.

A well executed spare shot at a single pin will convert the spare 100% of the time.

Maybe you didn't see the transition, didn't get an oil ring wiped off the ball, carry down, pin(s) off spot, or other environmental factors influence the ball effectiveness.

EVIDENTLY, I am in the minority.

The only, and I mean ONLY thing you can leave on a WELL THROWN shot is the 8 pin (9 pin for lefties). Nothing else.

And, there’s even a reason for the solid 8 (or 9 for lefty) pin leave.

You cannot leave a 7-10 on a well thrown shot. You leave it, you did something wrong.

Same for 8-10, 4-9, 4-6-7-10, 4, 6, ring 10, flat 10, fast 8, Greek church,.........

CAN a ball that hits the pocket strike? Sure, it CAN, but so can a ball that hits the 4 pin smack in the face.

We’ve ALL seen it happen. No, it isn’t LIKELY to strike, but it can.

Too many sloppy, poorly thrown balls end up striking these days. Don’t deny it.

I do it, you do it, we ALL do it. Resin balls and urethane lane surfaces allow it now.

Just because you strike doesn’t mean it was a well thrown ball. Or even a good one.

Just close enough. That’s all.

But FUNKY leaves? Yes, those DO mean poorly thrown, “bad” shots.

Anyone tells you different, they’re being condescending, or just don’t know better.

ALL OF THIS^^^^^^^

Most people DO NOT watch how their ball goes thru the pins and most people don't see why they left that ring 10 or stone 9.  Again lots of people think just because they hit the 1-3 or 1-2 it should strike.  Also a lot of people love to have their stuff "peel" off the back of the pattern, I mean let's face it it does look cool LOL, but that doesn't give you the best percentage to carry well (under normal conditions). 

Same thing is true for people using the biggest, dullest and newest balls in the high perf. lines on your typical house shots.  I was getting ready for league last week saw a guy at his locker hitting his new age Burgundy Hammer with one of those 60 grit yellow sanding discs (no joke).  Thank goodness I wasn't on his pair that night....I mean to each their own and let's remember also that 85% of ALL bowlers are here for recreation, nothing wrong with that in my opinion.