An alternative is to hydrate the pellets prior to tossing close to shore
Two advantages to the starter Dave is it is a little higher protein usually than regular feed and if a larger BG has the choice between a larger pellet and the tiny starter pellet the bigger fish will pass up the small pellet for the large one. I find this gives the small BG a chance at a meal that they might not get with the larger pellets even if they are softened.
The exception is CC. They like to hoover up anything and they seem to be particularly attracted to the tiny high protein starter. There may be more fish oil or attractant in the starter that really attracts the CC.
