I actually was laughing when I read this because I wonder if it's a case of "when two worlds collide", since you are an MSF instructor.
I felt the same frustration this year when I took the MSF rider coach course. I did great in the written and classroom teaching, but had an epic fail for range exercises. Tried as I could, I could not WILL my body to ride like a first time rider no matter how hard I tried (damn muscle memory). I was scolded for not having 4 fingers on the brake/clutch, leaning in a turn, and having my knee out... instead of pressed to the tank. Oh and couldn't apply back brake hahaha.
When I read your post, I really had the same feelings of frustrations. But... try, try, again haha so I'll probably submit myself to the same torture in '17. I know there are MSF instructors that can bridge the gap, some of us take more work!
I love BP. It's one of my favorite things about this sport! One of the things that initially helped me was strengthening and conditioning the muscles I needed to do this. I do "heismans" on the balls of my feet mostly and another exercise on a pole. Then I have the strength to get off the bike.
I also imagine myself as a jockey and never letting my butt touch the seat and smoothly pivoting from side to side. Getting your head out is probably the hardest. I was behind a CR once (Les) at Lightning and I remember his exaggerated movements... almost like he was pointing to the cone with the crown of his head. That was a big "aha" moment.
"Drop elbow and shoulder will follow" is another. And while a lot like their elbow on the outside of their knee, I feel more comfortable with my elbow on the inside of it. Try what works for you. Also, "screwdriver grip" on handlebars and relaxed grip is hugely helpful.
Other than practicing on a bike on stands, make sure that at the lunch riders meeting you are not shy and ASK if you can sit on the bike after the initial demo. They can position you so you can really get a sense of what it feels like so you can put it into practice.
So Mike.... try, try, again!
Hope to see you again sometime... maybe next season!