I know one a real fault I sometimes commit when rowing is to overstretch and for the shins to go past vertical. Now I know this puts the legs at a disadvantage in the early part of the drive and have thought that maybe this is why sometimes I feel more comfortable with a lower DF as I am not picking up the wheel till my shins are back past the vertical on the drive.
Therefore if I 'stop' this bad habit a higher DF would feel more comfortable, legs in a stronger position, faster drive, faster pace, less energy wasted, less stress on the knees Drats on poor technique
George