Hi, Jack -- hope you don't mind if I jump in on the thread here.
When I started learning LOG early in my training it was clear that many of the moves were different from the basic movements in other exercises and forms. Especially the scoop/spear hand moves, grab/turn, the three double-hand strikes at the middle of the form and the elbow strikes. LOG is the first time new students do these moves. It always seemed like a preview of things to come.
I certainly couldn't do an effective spear hand then. But thinking about it, there can be other apps to the scoop/spear hand movement. The scoop is very wide and travels inside-to-outside; IMO this could be used at close/medium range to break out of an opponent's grab. As the opponent's grip is broken the left hand comes up in guard position; it can also grasp the opponent's wrist and hold tight as the scooping hand comes up and over the opponent's arm. You step forward at the same time and this locks the opponent's arm under your right arm; left hand spears forward into his throat.
Or, instead of a direct spear to the throat, maybe thrust the left arm beside the neck, putting you in position to grasp the back of his head and then work a vicious app of your own design (insert vicious app here).
I could be wrong ... I'm doing most of the movement in my head instead of against a real person. Hope it makes sense to you all.
Sam
There is a great streak of violence in every human being. If it is not channeled and understood, it will break out in war or in madness. ~Sam Peckinpah