I almost forgot about this post. I started it a long time ago. Since then I have given up trying to finger and thumb fly. Well almost. If I am flying a plane with fast ailerons I will pinch the right stick for rolling circles. It seems I can keep the roll rate more constant. Other than that I am thumb only with a neck strap.
I still believe the pinch method is more precise. However 90% of my flying is 3D and/or Fun fly type. I just can't move the stick fast enough using the pinch. I have talked to some great flyers about hoew they do it. One of them told me his planes are so sensitive a thumb flyer would have trouble. He only moves his sticks about half way through the travel. This limited movement makes up for some of the speed.

David