Charlest, your post amazes me. (And anyone who agrees with him likewise.)
EVERY SHOT A BOWLER THROWS CHANGES THE LANE PATTERN!
There is NOTHING anyone can do to change that fact.
When the day comes that someone hopefully invents an oil-less lane surface this unfortunate situation will no longer be with us.
Until then we as bowlers know that whatever we do will alter our environment, which is something we all must take into account in deciding how to play the lanes.
Given that UNDENIABLE FACT bowlers must devise the most logical strategy to deal with how bowling is.
The most logical strategy is to work together instead of against each other when bowling team competition.
Cheating would be if you had a choice to do nothing to your environment and then chose to alter it in some way to benefit you.

I am curious to know what a non-cheating manner would be?
Do all 10 bowlers have to play a different line. Can only 2 or 3 or 4 or ?? play the same line?
Where do you draw the line?

How silly...

This is clearly not cheating.

CHEAT
transitive verb
1: to deprive of something valuable by the use of deceit or fraud
2: to influence or lead by deceit, trick, or artifice

intransitive verb
1: to practice fraud or trickery
2: to violate rules dishonestly <cheat at cards> <cheating on a test>

There's no deceit, fraud, or rules violation; the strategy is 'out there' for all to discuss, critique, and copy.

Is the practice unethical? That's not quite as straightforward (although it's pretty close, in my opinion). In other sports we applaud the team that works together for a common goal. Is it wrong for a baseball team to come up with a unified approach against an opposing pitcher (lay off the curveball, wait for fastballs)? Baseball also has the sacrifice, where the hitter gives up his chance to get a hit for the betterment of the team. Should all hitters be required to hack away every time?

Was it unethical for the younger, less-experienced US Olympic hockey players in 1980 to "team" up on the superior Soviets? Perhaps each player should have just gone out and done their own thing, and let the chips fall where they may...?

My only question for Riggs is about minors. Is it appropriate for someone who is struggling in Singles to consider "helping" another who is scoring well? Either by getting off his line or trying to improve it?

I'm also amazed that so many of you see this as cheating and fail to see that this is just a well planned effort to give themselves the best chance.  Having guys throwing practice and the actual games all over the lanes tears up the shot.  By putting together a team that actually can play in a similar area and angle to the pocket holds the shot and opens up the lanes.  Also, this gives the teammates the opportunity to read eachothers shots and see lane changes through eachothers shots. Plus, this is something everyone is entitled to do.  I'm left handed and don't get the chance to "break down the pair" with others, but don't have a problem with those that do.

If that is not cheating, then nothing you do in bowling is cheating. If you do something to gain an unfair advantage then it is cheating plain and simple. This rationalization that each shot changes is a bunch of junk , it is not the same thing as five bowlers on purpose for the sole express intent of gain an advantage by throwing their ball at the same target
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Carl

Riggs

What is fair?  In the bagger thread, you talk about how as true sportsmen, we should strive for equity, but in this thread, you basically say you are paying a team of somewhat lesser bowlers to bowl your way so your team can score better.  How is that fair?
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It IS next year!