I went away from inserts in 2001ish
To me I get a more consistent feel from ball to ball that I didn't get with inserts. It shouldn't be painful if the holes are drilled to fit your finger size and are beveled/sanded to smooth the edges. I'd never go back to inserts. Plus it save money on buying and replacing them.
Additional side note, I've only had two bowling balls crack since I went away from inserts in 2001 vs 1 in 4 prior to. I have drilled a lot of bowling balls. My brother still uses inserts and would say about 1 in 4 or 5 still start to crack from the fingers out.
"1 of 1."