Ah that's an interesting thought, and makes sense in relation to knuckle positioning/orientation for sure.
I also love how spelt without the 'a' it does this


Yeah definitely, and I feel that too, keeping the elbow/arm tight to the body through the punch and it's easier to connect your whole body into it. And in my experience the aim is to instil and propel that connection even while the arm and elbow leaves the body for a more full extension punch. So that we can apply body dynamics/mechanics and internal connections to everything we do. I like to feel that elbow hip connection, and the way the lats link them. And there's so much to explore too! Like a slight sinking on the body on the punch, even a spiralling into the ground sorta.
But yeah true some people don't mention it and simply expect the shape of the punch to be mimicked rather than working on feeling the connection.
I really like the way you think, and the line of enquiry that you follow

. Keep following it I say! It's what enriches your practice and your own quality of investigation. Sure, we can overthink it, but definitely ask of yourself, why does this method feel more powerful as opposed to ____.... and then extrapolate those principles to other aspects of your practice.
I remember last year we tried working on short range power, someone holding a rebreakable board, and putting out fingertips touching it, then only from there without withdrawing, to palm heel through it. We eventually moved onto doing two boards. No one could figure it out, but when I tried it I simply tried to tap into those essential qualities which were the same as in full range punches: letting my breath accelerate and facilitate the movement, pressing through the ground with my back foot, hip rotation, a slight dropping/sinking of the body,
relaxing deeply and letting go of unnecessary tension, allowing my weight to transfer via hip rotation into back of elbow, and striking through the target. I didn't consciously go through them, but I tried to contact the feeling. My first attempt they didn't break, so I reset and relaxed deeper, and second go I went straight through, was quite eyeopening.