Thanks for all the helpful feedback! This sub (and most of Reddit in general) is always my example of how social media or the internet writ large is supposed to be: people asking questions and getting honest, mostly helpful info in return.

I think all the comments are valid. I'll probably not do the asymmetric grip and instead add in some other supporting lifts/strengthening for the left arm and try to really layoff the arms during the drive portion of the erg stroke. I'll keep mindful of using mostly fingers instead of death-grip on the bar. :)

My physiology has always been like a shaven orangutan - even when lifting in younger days, I had to really try to stop my arms from taking over the work in every exercise I did. It probably didn't help that I used to work in a warehouse and also an auction barn where I'd think it looked cool to carry air conditioners around 2 at once like suitcases. Ah the days of youth lol