Lots of good stuff happening there, Prosper. If your goal is shorter turns, and ability to stay in the zipper line, please consider some things to work on, that I've found important in my personal journey.
o Just start the new turn sooner. A lot of issues in mogul skiing stem from lack of quickness. Things move really fast in the bumps. It's rare that anyone will be making the transition too soon. In general, the point of transition should actually be before you get to the top of the bump. Otherwise, you can find yourself shooting across the hill. Just do it. You'll start to get used to it in time.
o Recognize the nature of the blocking pole plant, and practice it. Even if you achieve 100% upper-lower body separation, the action of the legs means that you develop overall angular momentum in a turn. The purpose of a blocking pole plant is to stop that rotation, and promote starting rotation in the opposite direction. It works. It's a very active and muscular move. As everything happens so quickly, this action of the poles can be really important. Note that competitive mogul skiers take a very direct line, so that less angular momentum develops in their turns. We mere mortals typically develop more turning action.
o Practice turning on every part of the bump. Until you get into the extreme cliff and canyon type bumps, it's possible. As Tricia said, "My inconsistent pole plant and hesitation was making me shop for turns. When I think about active hands my feet move quicker." We want to get away from that shopping for turns, and develop a consistent rhythm. Real world bumps aren't consistent or neatly laid out, so that ability to turn anywhere is important.
Focus on these outcomes should help you achieve the movements tball discussed--"hands up and out front" and "keeping your skis on the snow, forcing your tips down on the backside of bumps."
Practicing dolphin turns can be fun, too, and mixing "dolphiny" movements into your bump skiing will be a definite plus.
