Yeah, I actually just played that game a couple of days ago (and I can actually consistently beat it now), but I've found a better way to do it. I don't know if it spares my controllers any more than the palm, but it certainly spares my hands. Rather than using the center of the palm, I use the area of my hand just below the thumb. It seems a lot tougher. It's never hurt me at the very least. Nintendo Power once suggested putting a sock over your hand. Honestly, I've never been as worried about my hand as the controller. My hand will heal. The control stick won't.