Wow, that knife trick is actually a solid one @xena_rivera63. I've done the coffee mug thing myself and it works better than you'd expect for a quick fix. But back to your starter question, yeah, three days can make a big difference honestly. I've found that letting it go a bit longer helps build more of that tangy flavor and gives the bubbles more structure. Your milage may vary, but I'd say give the old timer's advice a shot for a batch and see if your loaves come out taller.

Ain't it possible she just likes the surprise of what color she's gonna end up with?

Honestly, I hear you on the hand fatigue part but I think ratcheting cutters are overkill for most jobs. Just grab a decent lineman's and a pair of safety glasses, saves you a hundred bucks.

Brother, I feel that, got taken on a Secret Wars #8 that turned out to be a UK reprint with a totally different back cover!

Push back hard on this one. Painted a maple dresser last month for my cousin and didn't touch the runners at all, just sanded and slapped on two coats. Drawers glide fine and it looks great in her apartment. @wells.brooke probably spends more time gluing old junk than actually finishing projects. Plus if you glue runners too tight you warp the wood and then you're really screwed. Not everything needs a full restoration job.