Russell,
I know you're not saying this, but your first 2 paragraphs
could be interpreted to read that they decided to remove the particles from the basic Nano coverstock. (I'm not saying the Nano has particles, but ....)
I also loved the fact that in the video in the original Lucid thread here on ballreviews, they compared the Lucid to a Vivid Pearl which must be marketed in another market zone outside the US. The difference in continuation is quite easy to see, with the Pearl Vivid almost standing up in an end-over-end roll.
Regarding the strength of pearls, I would agree with you, IF the pearl was being designed for and marketed as a step down from some solid. However if the pearl is designed to be an oiler or to be a stand-alone ball, then strength can be a primary requisite. Examples of such balls are the Critical Theory, the Blue/Silver Taboo, & the new Deep Purple Taboo.
Saw some literature on the Lucid, and have to say I think this is a step in the right direction for high end balls.
It's not simply a pearl Vivid. The Vivid had the NRG cover (same as VG Nano), which the Nano Pearl was Pearl NRG. The Lucid will be pearl, but WITHOUT the Nano portion of the NRG, it will be called ERG.
One of the complaints about the Nano was that it bled a little bit too much in the midlane and really had a tough time continuing downlane. I think the loss of some surface on the Lucid will be great.
Over time I have noticed that high end cores with milder pearl covers tend to do much better on the market than stronger pearls. I think the Lucid may be a great combination for the 1/2 high end punch.
