I'm still not quite sure whether he just rests his pinkie on the optigrab or actually even inserts it, thus "hooking up" with the TBird. ...But we need expert evidence: Herr Carlston come forth and enlighten us!!!
Before the optigrab, Nikki just hooked his pinkie under the edge of the bridge, which a three point allows fairly easily. With the optigrab, he does 'hook up'.
I guess he got tired of his pinkie slipping all the time, which you can see here.
Nikki's signature has remained fairly consistent over the years. Here's one I got after a gig at the Whisky on the day they 'released' their first album, Dec. 11, 1981 (Nikki's birthday as well):
I can't remember why I smeared my name out on this scan... I think I posted this once at some site where I wanted to remain anonymous...
As far as Tommy's drumming style, I guess he picked up some flair during his previous career as a ballet dancer:
Yes, that is him...