Hit me hard reading that.

Fifteen degrees is a pretty steep lead for vertical. Most guys I know run closer to 10 or 12. 5 is on the flat side but it makes sense you got better root penetration, sounds like you were fighting gravity before.

Faux columns were a nightmare... @faith_perez yours actually worked?

Oh man, I totally feel you on that! I was the exact same way before I finally caved. The thing is, those batch tools are kinda like a good multimeter - you don't realize how much you needed one until you actually have it in your hands. My advice would be to set aside like 20 minutes to really learn the settings upfront (trial and error is your friend here). Once you get past that initial learning curve, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it for those repetitive edits. Just don't go overboard and use it for everything, you know? Some photos still need that one-by-one touch.

Did you check what kind of water your uncle uses? Phoenix tap water is liquid rock basically, and the minerals in hard water actually help pull more flavor out of coffee grounds. I bet if you tried his exact method with distilled water in your fridge it would come out sour again. The mineral content might be the secret variable everyone overlooks in these temperature debates.