Justrico, I dont entirely agree with what you have just said... I am living proof and have experimented with numerous players, etc.
I feel like the length of a players thumb may dictate how much forward pitch is needed on the thumbhole. I think all players should have at least 1/4 inch forward and your shorter more advanced players will need around 1/2". I was at 1/2" reverse around 6-7 years ago when I met Ron Clifton, and although it took me quiet some time to master the fee of forward pitch, as Strider as stated, I cant just pick up any ball now and go roll it.......
The first thing before even considering a pitch change is to check your span to see if its not to long. Place your thumb in the ball, relax your hand onto the ball and just lay your fingers right over the finger holes. Your finally span should be at least a 1/8 shorter than your last finger joint. If a player doesnt use inserts, then he should be able to place his thumb in the ball first and then slide the fingers in. Now that is the most relaxed fit a bowler can have. Inserts is a little tougher to do that because of the initial tightness of the grips.
Titletowncards, your span must be to long,etc. for you to think that you have almost a relaxed fit at the 1/2" reverse. If you are wanting to go with less reverse pitch then you MUST shorten the span or you are going to have problems! If you want to go from 1/2" inch reverse to 1/4" reverse then I would say you may need a good 1/16" inch shorter if not 1/8" on your span before attempting it. You will notice though with the correct span adjustment with less reverse, then you may not even see a change of release. I can go on and on about this but do you understand what I am saying?
If you dont do what I am saying here and go with forward pitch then thats ok, but do yourself a favor and check your own span by laying your fingers relaxed above the holes. If you immediately see that the total span is longer than your last crease of the fingers, then thats a for sure way to tell if your stretched. 99.999999999% of all bowlers in the world will not have the perfect grip. Those few of us that do can benefit is so many ways you wont believe.
Dont bash me for saying this please. I am just telling you about not only my trial and error but I am speaking of all the people I have helped in the past. I have brought forward pitch to hundreds of bowlers, and while they may struggle at first, they always addapt and get used to the feel. Thanks, John