After the mlb announced they were going to start checking for and taking action again foreign substances a couple of weeks ago, spin rates were down across several of the leagues big pitchers.
Sticky substances affects spin rate, correct. I'm saying that there are other factors beyond that contributing to the record low levels of offensive production and proliferation of no hitters.
The sticky tack increases spin, but the changes to the ball act as a multiplier. Bigger seams make the increased spin more effective; reduce coefficient of restitution makes a mistake less costly (so pitchers can take more strategic risks).
It’s not the ball.