My fingernails are always cut as short as they can go... I can't pick up coins off of flat surfaces

Its the middle of my fingernail that is tapping agains't the string.
As for different angles for my thumb.. I don't quite understand what you're trying to say, but I've tried many different angles as far as how my thumb attacks the string.. I've tried from going almost outwards(away from me) when I cross the string and then coming back in. to the exact opposite of going almost directly down onto the string with my thumb.
The latter being the most obvious wrong way because it forces the plucking fingers onto the other strings.
I feel this is getting very difficult to explain without pictures... so I'll see what I can do to take some pics.