Ok so I know Columbia 300 came out with the EPX-T1 prior to being sold to Ebonite. I also know that it had a lot of issues with the initial batch and was not received well overall.

The reason I ask is, it just seems odd that the technology just completely died from one ball release. Is it a case that after more testing and research that they couldn't solve the problems with the new resin, or is it that everyone is just afraid that the general bowler wouldn't give it a try after what happened with the EPX-T1?

I think I remember reading that Storm was working on the same technology at the time, but I don't ever recall seeing them release one.

I guess a secondary question would be, are companies just simply afraid to go out on that limb today like they might have 10-15 years ago?

I think a ball that would not hook, assuming the application of side roll, is not possible due to the fact that it would require a 0 coefficient of friction between lane and ball.  With oil, the coefficient of friction can approach 0 between a highly polished polyester ball and the lane, but no ball surface, even Teflon, would do this on a dry lane. 

All depends on the oil.  No oil, the ball hooks no matter what the surface material