My AC/DC never drains STDM coming out of the pops - when I am playing it. That is because I have learned to nudge it every time and I don't think I could not nudge it without trying very hard! I only notice the STDMs when friends play my game. Kinda rough on them!
I also nudge when I don't get a clean shot up the left ramp or else it rockets STDM also when it comes back down the ramp. And I nudge when I make a clockwise orbit or else the ball tags the right slingshot before getting to the flipper. And I nudge when the ball is going for the right outlane hidden behind the camera.
I have the tilt bob set pretty tight, so all these nudges have to be quick but gentle or you get a warning or actually tilt. And once you get a warning, you gotta be that much more careful until the next ball. I love this game and I think all the nudging is just part of it making me a better player.