I am curious about this. How does the cutting of the cleft result in a lighter but bigger bat? Instead of creating those pie shaped pieces, are you saying that the shape they cut is a bigger slice or block from the tree trunk? If that is the case, there is bound to be more "wastage".
Because the cleff is cut a certain way by the merchants certain sizes are impossible and Becaaue grays cut there own they can create different dimensions.
Take the hell 4leather massive spine bat that would not come from a "normal cleff" but oversized that's my point and yes it will be low density/dried.
As for the size being linked to "performance pressing" but far fetched that.
Also flatter face and sharper edges add around 2-3mm onto the edge and camra angle.
He is a flagship player of course he will get top stuff I would not for once instance think it would be pressed much difference to anybody else's bat at all.
Bar size players bats 90 per cent of the time are the same we get bar size to weight ratio. People talk about mythical things but there simply not there.
As for this performance pressing thing well that simply is not the case mate as we are looking for stiffness in the blade which is a different thing.
My theory on bats is simple get a handled cleft unshaped but pressed bounce a ball on it you will understand then about vibration and stiffness in blades.