I have an HCS that I re-drilled pin down and sanded for the very same reasons you mentioned above. It was originally pin-up and the backend was entirely too much for me with my slow speed. Plus, I am rev-dominant.

I have had good success with mine sanded and then applying a very light coat of polish. When I say light, I mean real light, as in just using an older polishing rag and hitting the ball for 10 seconds on the spinner.

I do not use mine on heavy oil however, I use it on medium oil and it works fine. Just be advised that lane shine automatically kicks in after a few games, which is why I don't use it on heavy conditions.