Knuckles or Palm?

 I had been reading a blog that was discussing the various advantages/disadvantages between striking w/the palm of an open hand, and/or with the fore-knuckles (of a "fist"). The data that he's utilizing for his research, comes from an article that supplied (some manner of) measurements supplied from another (unrelated) research project.
  
 The conclusion that both he and the provided research came to,  was that there was no difference in the amount of energy being transferred (between the two methods). Although I believe there are more variables in play than what he listed, based upon his limited research base, I would be inclined to agree.
   
 The way that he judged his research, I don't hardly see how it could of come out any other way.  (As he described it) the comparisons were made from striking a stationary target, directly in front of the person performing the strikes (using either method).

  I would have been more interested in comparing two methods that were more different in how they were accomplished. Between the two described motions, the muscles in the (entire) arm, are being flexed the exact same.

  There's also other considerations that should be evaluated when comparing various striking methods, namely, a clenched or relaxed striking hand. In either of the two methods he describes, the forearm muscles are flexed (identically, well, close enough, LOL). 
     
  I'd be curious (if I had access to the measurement devices that he utilized) to see the difference when the strike is performed in the manner that we instruct. One of the main differences, is that Oyata taught us utilize an "open" fist (meaning that the finger's aren't tightly closed upon one another). 
      
  I am aware that strikes performed in this manner are "slightly" faster, and often have a delayed perception by the aggressor (due to their finger's not being tightly clinched). Despite this, I have no knowledge of their having any greater power from being performed in this manner.
      
  I tend to believe that this manner of "test"? (measurement) doesn't really provide (that much) usable data. The level of (measurable) "power", is only a minor factor regarding the response to a strike's impact.
  
  In the practice of Te, it isn't any singular aspect that is focused upon to accomplish a successful technique, but a collection of numerous (often minute) component's/motions that construct an effective application.