When I went to a shorter span I also changed my finger pitches. Went for 5 1/2 span 5/8 reverse with 1/8 forward in fingers (plus grip pitch) (very stretched) to a 5 inch span 3/8 reverse with 0 forward/reverse pitch in the fingers. The new grip feess more relaxed. When I put my hand in the ball and completely relax, the pads of my fingers lift away from the insert. For me to get my fingers to be in complete contact with the insert surface I have to bend my fingers some and put pressure on the grips.. When I'm relaxed should my fingers be in contact meaning I need more reverse finger pitch? I also don't know if this is completely a huge deal as the weight of the ball at release will put the grips onto my fingers. I also only changed the thumb on my balls that had the 1/8 forward finger pitch.

I can see how the 1/8 forward in the fingers could make it more difficult to get out of the 3/8 thumb.

It's my opinion that no one should have 0 or forward pitch in the fingers. I think it's impossible to find a person whose fingers bend that much. That's said, I do believe you should also be able to relax your hand and feel the grips with the pads of your fingers. It sounds like with your pitch your fingers would be pressing more against the back of the holes. My coach has 4 7/8 span I believe and has 1/2 reverse in his fingers.

Amateur, keep in mind that the 90° angle (0 pitch) is divided between both the first and second joint of the finger, so 0 pitch is ok for somebody with flexible fingers.

But I agree most people should have more reverse pitch than not.

the back of my fingers do hit the back of the holes.. not with alot or any uncomfortable pressure.. and a lot less pressure than before... like I said.. on all my new spans I just changed the thumbs. I left the pitches in the fingers how they were thinking that it isn't that huge of a deal.. since then I have gotten a couple of balls and those I had put at 0 on the fingers... so I have some balls at forward and some at 0.
I'm thinking maybe I need to get them all plugged and drilled at 1/4 or 1/2 reverse.

Quick follow up on this - this is why the span should hit between the first and second knuckles. Since you are dividing the bend between 2 knuckles, you need the span a bit shorter because the fingers will not be laying flat on the ball.