StephanieCA:
I totally agree Mr Q. Putts as IRL should end up just a bit past the hole if missed. Now that distance should be what the individual is comfortable with but 18 to 36 inches should be fine. I too am (well try to be) a "ding" putter. I can't imagine assuming I'm going to miss and then allowing for the difference in break. Great if some have figured that out but that seems like an added layer of complexity that I'm not ready for. BTW, if someone is always putting and focusing on hitting the meter at some point that is just off "ding" and their timing is good enough to hit it, often, then couldn't they just focus on hitting "the ding"? Just curious but of course everyone should play however they are comfortable :)
Steph
There are three ways (basically) to putt here line wise:
1. Hardly ever move the aim marker, save some severe once in a while extreme break.
If you look at how balance /precision works it seems to go against this being preferred, but some do OK. Can't recommend it to any one struggling, but it's out there.
2. Mostly move the aim marker, but miss a little to help hold a line oftentimes. It works real well for many players.
3. Ding only. Simplest and has to be effective, and works also for many. The one I would say to go with for anyone who is struggling / starting out, and some stick with it all the way through v effectively.
Speed:
1. There are basic calcs out there for each speed. The best putters will adjust to any nuances (tiny differences) that may be thrown in day to day speed wise.
2. Avatar moves or Putter Pal (post it note etc works fine too). Notching back with Avatar moves seems odd to me, and few times I ever used it never that accurate if exploiting various meter scales. IRL I draw back a certain distance various length and use that as my base, and here putter [al seems to get that feel more than notching with Avatar Moves. Make your own mind up with what suits you after trying both at some point.
3. Balance. This is often overlooked. The better the rating the deeper you can go scale wise, and still get good distance control. Basically get to know your putter, but the "best" may not necessarily be the best for you.
Yes play how you are comfortable with. Getting bogged down with someone else's style may not be best for you. Basics to start with are never bad though. Chopping and changing putters with the weather is also self-defeating. Try a few out, commit and learn it as it will need to be a long time partner if you are too succeed with it.
The WGT stats are not much chop and so be real careful interpreting those. In the extreme one look at the Champion Tier top 10 averages is a list of mostly red tee wonders who really may not be very good. Plenty of low average red tee wonders who look real poor on "real" courses / conditions that's for sure.
EDIT: Just by way of bringing out some putters lend to one style or other...research is part of the buying process basically. If in doubt at L70 I would not look past the L70 Versa any which way.