Thanks! A very informative thread indeed!
I've been using an "Alternative Travis/Carter Picking Style" which I would like to share with you.
I have discovered that "Speed Picking", "Triplets" or "Chick'n Picking" melody lines are possible by simply changing the travis thumb down strum to index or middle finger alternate picking "down'up/down'up"... a type of "guitar frailing" if you will.
Let me explain as in 4/4 count: (1, 2&, 3&, 4&)
1 - Thumb 5th string down stroke (with optional index pinch)
2 - Index down stroke with back of nail
& - Index up stroke
3 - Thumb 6th string down stroke
& - Index up stroke
4 - Index down stroke with back of nail
& - Index up stroke
Repeat pattern as desired.
The index down stroke can strike a "single" note or multiple notes/strings, if desired, as if struming with a pick.
The middle finger can replace index finger strokes at times if that fits into your style.
Combined with single index finger alternate picking melody line riffs, "plectum" hi-speed picking can really be attainable for the fingerstyle player.
I have not seen this method mentioned by others. Have I discovered something new here? Or is this style a tried and tested method used by others as well.