I have to say, I can’t understand how the variable of crossing early [edit: oh… I was thinking that meant early in the season, but perhaps it means early in terms of F generations?], would affect this, though for sure totally understand how crossing with anything not exserted would have a negative impact, and maybe understand how crossing exserteds together before the trait is stabilised could cause trouble. So, perhaps I understand now.
It’s true I was quite persistent in getting things to cross with. The imminence of death spurred me on - I figured doing as much as I can in the first year would be advisable and give me more things to work with as I go forward. Plus I was expecting many things not to work out so to maximise future options, making as many and as varied cross attempts from the start seemed a good plan. It has certainly kept me quite busy! I’ll keep sharing as time goes on as to how these crosses go.