When placing a linear template the "templet drops" are controlled by the elements stroking
There are 3 stroking tolerances that will effect the number of drops and the spacing.
1. Linear stroking
2. Curve stroking
3. profile stroking
Variables can be set to control the initial values on all the elements on creation however these values can be modified by drilling into the elements properties. (this meaning the element that the linear template is attached to)
linear is streight forward the value set reflects the files units
Curve - this value also reflects the file units... the lower the value the tighter the cording on the element (more drops)
Profile - this value needs to be considered as it is generally harder for a user to know just where the curves in profile are located while working with drops in plan view... for me I typically set profile stroking to "0" and only if i feel its need add a tolorance.
Check out M's video on this topic.