Really appreciate the feedback, @billchao & @Konsta!
Simplifying things a bit for myself by bumping down to the 7 iron. Spent some time at lunch today working on what you guys suggested.
Tried getting my left hand over grip more. In terms of the backswing, I tried a different move below. For the life of me, I felt like I had the club face pointing down on takeaway... is that still too open at parallel? Still looking cupped at the time, isn't it?
The ball is still pully with curve (dispersion attached), but carrying 10 to 15 yards longer than 2 days ago. So you guys are good at this!
102 ball speed, launching 20*, 5000 rpm, carrying 145
Face On - 7 Iron
Down the Line - 7 Iron
For the record - My goal is to improve... so if things break down for a little while, so be it. 🙂