Just to add I agree with Gordon as in “if it works for you, then fine”. I don’t understand though why some thumbs wander around, or slip about on dry wood, and need anchoring, but everyone’s different, or some prehaps play oily flutes? So ok, whatever works. I checked out my own playing, and my thumbs stay still and only the fingers flap about.
I know how to hold the flute and yes, I have ongoing issues with weak thumbs and wrist pain.
I did not come to the use of the tacky tape to keep my hands better positioned overnight nor to avoid having to hold the flute properly nor would I advise people to try such “add ons” without due consideration.
My flute is not oily but I have slippage problems none the less. My right thumb moves without my consent, try as I might to discipline it. If it stayed put as I desire it should, we would not be discussing this.
I can only speak for myself and for me the use of the tape is very helpful so I don’t think such things should be summarily dismissed as improper considering all the variables involved.
Smaller holes but still loud. It is in good tuning with the small foot.
Just to add more wood to the fire. Check out the index finger rest on this:
http://goferjoe.bygones.biz/boosey.htm
On another note… I just saw this and I’m now drooling. I want it! 
Way coool!
And now for the Flute Crutch:
http://www.oldflutes.com/im/fr-ger.jpg
http://www.oldflutes.com/im/bfmoen.jpg
http://www.oldflutes.com/im/bfmein.jpg
it would make twirlin’ easier
but it is not a proper finger twirl
Alan - I wasn’t being patronizing, or did not mean to be, when I added that if it works for you, go for it. I seriously meant that - I don’t have a problem with someone coming up with a workable solution to their own issues. I certainly did not mean to imply that you or Jim did not know how to hold a flute (although some newbies reading this may be looking for advice; part of the reason I responded to this thread at all - I worried that these ‘add-on’ methods for holding flutes will hurt them in the end).
I find, for myself, that if my thumb is slipping, I have to be aware of it and correct it without add-ons… I’ve been through some very rough patches, where my body rebelled against whatever I was doing to it, playing flute and all… Passing the half-century mark didn’t help…
I found, personally, that whenever I had a problem - my Hamilton was suddenly too big, even though I played it for years without a problem, for example - it was more often my body posture, my hand positions, etc. that were at fault. After years of doing it right, I had slipped into detrimental habits that effected my playing or - worse - my joints and tendons. Correcting these issues, rather than replacing the flute, or adding things to it, worked, and I play said flute better than I did before (once I got re-used to it…).
Again, if the tape works, great.
Best,
Gordon
No problem, Gordon, you make good points.
I think I have a few years on you so chalk my attitude up to the crankiness of old age and the creakiness of old bones!
I NEVER wear pink.
I don’t use any namby pamby electric razor. I drive the
whiskers in with a hammer and bite them off
inside.
Embouchure vises are for sissies!
Here is the mother of all add-ons.
https://forums.chiffandfipple.com/t/here-at-last-the-patented-robrest-tm/54045/1
Bicycle tire inner tube. Just ask Tom Madden. When we were newbies we used that on our M&E flutes and called it ‘synthetic shark skin’ 
Wow! And I thought I was the only weirdo doing that. I’ve used sections of bike inner tubes on various flutes and whistles in that capacity for many years. Skinny road tire tubes make nice whistle mutes too.
Feadoggie