"At the end of the Feather Step we come into a completely neutral position. How could anyone possibly think that the side or shoulder would be in front at that point. This is also referred to as a balance point"

Because all ordinary positions in an offset hold are left-side dominated, the "neutral" position will be. So in fact will the positions that we call right side leading - they are still left-side dominated. The right side arrives first in such situations, but the left side is still dominant.

To allow the right side to become dominant, especially in a reverse turning action, is a FATAL mistake. The world has improved its description of the proper form of reverse actions quite a bit since the original days - and that is in part why the "shoulder leading" langauge has long ago fallen out of favor.

Everything centres around that second step which is a side step. If the side was leading the step would go in the wrong direction. I doubt if anybody with any common sense would even think about doing it that way. Not only is it a side step it is a lot wider than most try to do it. This is of course the man's step. Look again and study.

German Teacher. Interesting. As you say the Natural Turn is far too slow. Have you tried a Three Step and using what would normaly be the first of a Natural. Use it instead to preceed a Change of Direction. This will very quickly get you onto beats 3 4 on the LF. followed by the Feather Step.
But if you really don't like the Natural Turn and are not to keen on the Change of Direction. What's wrong with the Hover Cross finishing with a Feather Finish..

Plenty if your in BRONZE !