I'm no Lawrence Welk of trekking poles (and a one, and a two
), and don't know anything about beat patterns (?
) but I just don't see in over-complicating the issue of walking with sticks and possibly putting unnecessary concern into first time Camino walkers and first time trekking pole users. I personally would feel like a Camino snob doing that and I honestly saw no Camino walkers (and I'm sure I saw hundreds) handling trekking poles in all kinds of crazy contortions. As far as I know, no pilgrims have died on the Camino from dangerous trekking pole usage.
I'd say to anyone thinking about them and who has never used them before and is reading this, don't be intimidated (trust me, the overwhelming majority of pilgrims could give a rat's posterior about your trekking pole techniques) and go ahead and buy an inexpensive set when you get to the Camino. Try them out. If they work, great. If not? Donativo time! Somebody will use them.
ultreia!