Getting the stride foot down early...opinion?

I agree with you point on seeing the ball better. I also can understand why you have lost a little power. The lack of movement in your body allows you to see the ball so much better, but unless you are using a "no stride" approach to the ball, you will stop your momentum into the baseball and have to restart as you swing. This will cause you to lose power due to the interruption of your "flow".

All hitters must have some rhythmic flow in their swing to be consistent in timing and maximize their hitting potential. The problem you may run into with your new method is when facing pitchers that throw 85mph+. The ball will have a tendency to "get on you" quicker without the momentum transferring energy forward through the ball.

I think that if you have had problems seeing the baseball, it is a good adjustment to make. I wouldn't stick with it long term just because you will run into other problems.

One thing you might consider is trying a "no stride" load. You will still need to get some rhythm started (Take Pujols or Edmunds for Example) Both use basically a "no stride" load, but both have rhythm and weight transfer without interrupting their "flow".

I know this is long winded, but I hope you get the idea. Great job of making adjustments. That is the first step to becoming a great hitter. Good luck!