A balancing act.
Genetics
Temperature
Humidity
Light spectrum
Time
Density
Vapor pressures / airflow
Vapor barriers (e.g. cuticle)
Mold spore load
Personal likes
etc etc
We can quantify some of these through analysis - science. Others, we simply cannot due to the complexity of the variables, cost, or our individual level of understanding (e.g. every situation differs) - experience. And, for that matter, there are the personal preferences.
For the items that are quantifiable, we can always look towards science, starting with experience, to help guide us in the generation of theories and experiments. If the science doesn’t match the experience, then we have some 'splaining to do. That’s all we can hope for. While we may argue on some things, and sometimes anger ourselves and each other, hopefully in the end we’ll all gain a better understanding. I know I get ideas, some correct/some out-in-space, from these discussions daily. That’s the great thing about these types of discussions and problems as long as we can keep them semi-respectful.
For instance, we could cure at 90% RH 75F for six months if we know the spore load is zero or somehow suppressed. Might be a crap result or maybe not. Might smell like poop or might smell like sunshine (maybe someone likes the smell of poop, too). The results, particularly if we can back it with the science, moves us forward.
Even though I don’t think we’ve solved the ops problem (if anything made it more confusing). But, thanks to @Meesh for the opportunity to get us thinking more about this.
Was feeling a bit philosophical this morning.