In a well set up guitar it should be impossible for the ball end of the string to remain two inches below the bridge plate while under tension.

All guitars with pin bridges should have a slot cut in the front of the pin hole so that the string is captive in the hole. In fact, it should be possible to string up to concert pitch without using bridge pins. The ball end should engage the underside of the bridge plate and remain there under tension.

By the same token, grooved bridge pins are a sure indication of short cuts in the manufacturer's set-up.

Murray