Execution % is really more valuable. Strike % is not the best representation, but not horrible; a pitcher is trying to get a strike with almost every pitch even if it outside the zone.
The real issue with strike % is balls left over the plate that get crushed.
I think you can say low strike% a pitcher is missing the zone and/or not tempting the batter out of the zone.
First pitch strike % is a really key stat. You will not find very many successful pitchers with this low.
Yeah and that was the point I was making before, not all misses are the same.
To me if pitcher is not getting hit and not struggling with walks they are doing their job. Over a few games it can be just luck (or bad hitting) but if continue to put up good numbers against top teams likely more to it. If not throwing elite velocity then are probably doing it with some combination of deception, good misses, and excellent spin.
It is very easy to see the pitcher who throws gas and understand why they are successful. Pitchers with good location/spin it is hard to understand unless you are in box or catching. The truly elite have velocity, spin, and location.