Bowen maps are mostly decoration, not survey data. For scale, pick two points that still exist today and just do the math. Dating a repro is easier from the paper and print quality than the map itself.

Did you ever figure out how low the absorption number needs to be before soaking actually hurts? I used to swear by soaking everything too, until a mason buddy showed me how the new bricks barely drink any water and the mortar just slides. Now I test a brick first and only wet it if it's actually thirsty.

You said Sal told you anything under 40 makes the fat smear, so what's your actual box temp now, still 38 or did you creep it up more after seeing that yield jump? Curious because 38 is close enough to 40 that a busy Friday with the door opening every two minutes could push you over anyway, so maybe the real trick is just letting it drift there. What's your thermometer say when the rush hits?