dmcneal, Brickguy summed it up. The bottom line is 90% of bowling allies that cater to league bowlers put out what I would call a medium to light oil shot. They want the average Joe that bowls 3 games a week to score reasonable well week after week. Thats what will bring him or her back year after year. This average Joe has learned that there is no reason to move all over hells half acre to score. Assuming the bowler can hit what he is aiming at, he can use the 2nd arrow and make one to three board adjustments, left or right, still rolling over the same arrow,and usually score well all three games.
All this said, average Joe bowler still needs the type of ball or balls that fit his or her style. in my opinion to many league bowlers that are new to the sport, use equipment ill suited to the basic house shot. If the average league bowler would use a medium to low flair arching ball, adjust the cover to compliment his or her speed, don't try to rip the cover off the ball and hit his or her mark, they would see a drastic improvement in their scoring.
Once average Joe has learned some level of consistency then he can start experimenting with different lines, more aggressive equipment and spotting break points instead of arrows or dots. The bottom line in league bowling is to win games and hopefully to win the league. I see it year after year. The team with the consistent plodders that pick up their spares and are always around or above there average. Usually first or second arrow strokers, with a semi oil soaked 3 to 4 year old ball usually win the league.
Follow Brickguys advice and you will be in the house!!
Tom