Silver Hilton-
You may Have a point. When I started using hand cleaner and (occasionally) washing my gear, things improved dramatically. I don't know if my "study" was exactly scientific, but the coincidence seemed uncanny.
Some people just have more L-lysine or whatever it is, on/in them we call it "stink-hand" (Stink-finger?).
Also, I chew and that's always been an issue in the back of my mind.
I bought some liquid stuff at Sportco (can't remember the name) that seems to work well.
There's some hand balm called "Yum" that appears to help. I rub it on after washing hands, after taking a pinch. I swear it works.
At least it eliminates the nagging thought in my mind "Is it the chew smell, or my smell?"

Try it, you can't lose anything, except a buck or three...

As to middle rod- Agree ahead of time that you rotate. Otherwise, find less selfish partners!
I like to employ the first-to worst theory: Whoever dangles first goes to the worst position (or imagined worst position).