Thank you very much for your thoughtful reply. I am seeing positive results so far and I will take your counsel to heart. I know this may sound like a gross exaggeration, but I've gained two clubs using this method. Prior to this I released way to early. I still think I am releasing early, but not as badly.
In order for me to feel that pressure on my index finger I have to keep moving my body. If I stop, or slow down that pressure goes away. When I try to "force" or "push" too much with the index finger my hands outrace my body, my hands turn over, and I hook the ball. At least that is what I think is happening. This is a self-teaching endeavor.