You should be able to do the rocking stitch without pain, and get more than 5-7 stitches...not that it really matters. Make sure your quilt sandwich isn't too tight in the frame. There needs to be some flex in the sandwich to allow the needle to rock.
However, none of this really matters. Once the quilt comes off the frame no one will know how you made the stitches, so do it the way that makes you happiest.
As for developing a style, why worry? Just quilt and be happy that you're doing it.
Janet