That progression doesn't sound too unusual if you think about the hook cycle: skid, hook, roll. There could be somehting about the core that makes the flare rings tighter when it starts up. When it gets into the roll cycle, the flare rings will be minimal and tighter. Maybe it's those special engraved labels that let's you see the flaring more easily?
I've been "playing" with the SX-1 for the past few weeks. It revs up FAST off my hand, with a similar drilling. Mine is also very easy to see, with the bright green labels on the black ball.
Plus these coverstocks, even though they're not supposed to absorb oil quickly, are far from weak. I just redrilled mine, putting the pin in the middle finger hole. Before it was in the ring finger hole.
Also your cover has fairly aggressive finish: 1000 grit Abralon (550 grit US) plus their Gel polish, which looks more like a compound finish. The ball, TX-1, is supposed to handle medium to medium-heavy oil.
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"None are so blind as those who will not see."