I see a double-edged sword here. One of the reasons why many of us can score higher today is because if we match the right technology to the right condition, we benefit with pin carry. If we match wrong, we can suffer.
A knowledgeable and talented bowler today has both the mechanical skills and the ability to match up ( I lack on both counts). Years ago, more emphasis was on skills because there were fewer selections of balls to match to the lanes. I feel that those days were a better barometer to measure a bowler's performance skill set by rather than today, because there were fewer variables.
Having said that, I still believe over considerable time and many venues, cream still rises to the top as it always has. Hence a THB who matches up in one house but has no clue elsewhere, will certainly be more limited than a talented bowler who has success at many houses on many conditions. Today, that more successful bowler will use both his bowling skills and knowledge/experience with equipment to succeed.
Today, When Mr. 230 from one house challenges Mr. 230 from another house both using their latest "hook in the box", there will always be that element of "he beat me because he matched up better than me." Unless both bowlers go to House #3 and both throw White Dots, we may never satisfactorily settle who the real Mr. 230 is.
In short, I would like it better if we had fewer ball choices becasue I think it would even the field more between those who can afford to buy some game and those who can't. But then again, I am not a manufacturer of bowling balls.
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"Chopping Wood For over Two Decades"
