I have mine drilled pin up above ring finger, but slightly stronger. The ring finger is drilled deeper, so no balance hole is needed. The intention was to give me length and create angle for late in a block. In my experience so far, I find the ball to be quite smooth and responsive off the spot. I've had no issues with pin carry. I've used it on a fresh WTBA Athens pattern (as posted elsewhere here) and then a Kegel recreation pattern.
What I have found work best for me is going with a 500 pad again and then use royal compound only. I have tried 500 pad/royal compound/4000 pad. With the 4000 pad, it checked a bit too early.