no worries! when I play a set of sticks with the gorilla snot, vs a virgin stick, the virgin stick slips out of my hands, and can leave blisters. when I play with the gorilla snotted lol, stick i can relax my grip and relax the fingers, and I am not worried about dropping the stick as much. I still drop em, thats why I have a stick bag on the floor tom and a swirlygig thing full of about 5 pairs under my hi-hat, just in case. I do teach as well, and most of my students dont want grip tape or the snot, which is totally cool. the ones that DO try it, like how they can concentrate more on playing than gripping/dropping sticks to an extent. its a fine line.
I do drop them from time to time, and it happens live. I just grab another one. I dont stop playing, just keep the beat goin. especially live. I smile, and shrug my shoulders. the audience actually gets a kick out of it. its all attitude, and having a positive one if you drop a stick.
I like the reference with mel lewis! lol!! thats classic, I wish I could teach my students that but they might freak out on me! lol! especially the younger ones.