From my experience playing with balls, the old, broken-in ones are actually easier to grip.
In other words, pigskin pimples are unnecessary. Hmmm.....my experience was just the opposite from you especially moisure environment i.e. sweat, dew grass, rain, etc.
BTW, is it banned Stickum and other sticky goo in CFB? Lester Hayes (Raiders DB) practically covered himself in the stuff.