Perhaps my assumptions about wall shots are incorrect. I have been bowling only sport/challenge conditions for the past decade. I started up with friends this year in a standard wall shot league and ha e found the following

I start with a pin down, polished ball and when moving in I go to a pin up with a touch of surface (4000).  This seems to let me play the oil line on fresh with a bit of area both ways.  When moving in, the pin up with surface seems to blend out the over under and still make turn.

Is this typical?  I have always started with pin down/surface and moved to pin up/ polish in my challenge leagues.  I usually drill 2 of the same ball and just change layout and / or surface

There are a lot if ways to attack a house shot, because unlike flat patterns you can control when the ball comes off the end of the oil.  Frankly, people get way to caught up in  pin up, pin down, layouts.  Your style is the biggest factor in attacking any pattern.  Also, even house shots vary due to different surfaces, buff lengths, or even how much the pattern is blended from right to left. 

One thing I do agree with, is that if I start further out, I am going to use something tamer.  However no matter where I start I am going to move and follow the oil rather than try to change balls and stay in a comfort zone.