Applying polish really depends on who applies it and what you use.  Yes there are certain brands that add length, but it does not last that long and to keep the added length you need to maintain the polish.  Also was there heavy pressure used when applying, that causes a more glossy finish.  Less pressure less length.    

If you are getting too much length, I suggest using no polish but higher grit.  If you have your ball at 1000 abralon with polish and it goes too long, then just sand it to 2000 abralon and do not polish it.  That should help the ball not be so sensitive to over/under.  Using surface adjustments with no polish may be what your looking for.  

Surface finish is what most companies focus on today to fine tune the ball reaction, not polish.  By sanding to 2000 or 4000 abralon, it allows the ball to have less surface, which easily clears the heads, and enough surface to get a good backend reaction.  

But your post was very general, it really depends on what type of ball is polished and what ball is sanded or is it really polished?  A 4000 abralon ball with some games on it, will look polished, but really isn't, its just the finish process.