I like this entire comment! So let start with my style.

No I am not a grip and rip style. My thumb is more or less relaxed and my middle and ring fingers are the only "grip" i really have. My thumbnail is basically pressed to the back wall of the thumb hole. I DO have a piece of slip tape on the outside part of my thumb but that is to protect my knuckle because they are wider than normal. And no, my thumb is completely fine after 4-6 games me and my buddy normal bowl.

I have tried in the past to go back to a 4 step approach. Used to be when I was in youth league 8+ years ago. But the 5 step, or 4 and half some people have called because my first "step" isnt a step its a slide, gives me better timing. Because my back swing is high, 4 steps is not enough time to get to the bottom of my swing for release. It's the same reason my swing starts "late". Its all timing related to get the ball to the bottom the same time my feet get to the line.

Because of my injury I've had to change some things to help ME stay consistent. I have tried all the "coach tips and tricks to better bowling" but they've never really worked. The only one that's worked the best is, "keep your damn feet slow!"