Re: chop chord synchronization/alternation
For the notes of a chord to ring out properly on any fretted instrument, there is a minimum amount of pressure required. You do not have to increase this pressure in order to play chop chords. You correctly state that chop technique involves releasing the pressure on the fretted strings in order to deaden the chord and allow the staccato/percussive quality of the chop to occur. I would say just fret your chop chords, chop and release and fret them again in time to chop again. I wouldn't overthink precisely when, vis-a-vis the beat you should apply the pressure required to sound the chop chord. I believe you are heading for pressure inducing (pun kind of intended) situation in your playing if you try to micromanage your chop technique. It really isn't rocket science.
Edit: Just watched my fretting hand while I chopped a few times. It looked to my naked eyes as though I was squeezing the strings simultaneously with chopping the strings. I honestly don't think about it.
"I thought I knew a lot about music. Then you start digging and the deeper you go, the more there is."~John Mellencamp
"Theory only seems like rocket science when you don't know it. Once you understand it, it's more like plumbing!"~John McGann
"IT'S T-R-E-M-O-L-O, dangit!!"~Me
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