Without reading your post, I'd say that holding hands is acceptable just about anywhere - assuming it's someone of the opposite sex. Please be prepared to accept strange stares if it's someone of the same sex.
Now, after reading your post (and being a member at OnePlaneGolfSwing.com, and having read different stuff), the 'steep swing' is designed to deliver the clubhead through the grass to the ball - minimizing the effect of the grass (the grabbing and turning).
The other thing that I'm pretty sure Chuck has mentioned (or was it a story I was told about Ryan Moore?) Anyway, the trick is to open your blade some, and play for a cut.
The other other thing to remember is that the more toe up you are - especially in the short
irons - the more pull side your ball will go.