That is a great analysis and observation. When I am out on the course and my drives or shots in general aren't going straight, I usually slow down my swing and try to minimize the power. I usually see the results you are stating. However, going from 100 down to 83 is pretty impressive!!
It definitely depends on how I am playing that day, but I would say a majority of the time, I usually "go for it".
A water hazard about 250 yards out? - go for it.
Bunkers all around the front of a 175 yard par 3? - go for it.
A dog-leg right hole through some tall trees? go for it!
haha...
Wow, that is insane? How hard were you swinging?! My friend broke his driver at the range one time and the head cracked off and flew 95 yards. The starter box had to annouce to everyone to stop swinging so that he could jog out onto the driving range to grab his club head!
I usually use my cleveland wedge on every hole. I think it is perfect for where my ball usually lies from the green. My pitching wedge will be too much and my sand wedge doesn't go far enough! haha....