Humm a question not answered but followed with a question....(sort of)
Time for me to learn.
Do you agree that my picks are even checkerboard in pattern?
This admitted newbie has a lot to learn unlike you who knows about "undeniable faults". I can learn from you!
But to answer your question-
As they often say, I don't love in slices, I love as a whole.
I went with what appealed to my eye. I would have taken a torn fin if I liked the whole pattern enough. My favorites were #157 and next #64 but they were taken before me. I focused on what I hoped to eventually see from the water's surface. ( I did ask another what they thought of my choices so as not to make a fool of myself) For me I like a pattern that flows (close to even) on the back and character on the head. I really didn't focus on motoguru or the tail stop. I read that early heavy motoguru was undesirable in tategoi so I steered from that. I am curious if you believe that as well?
I do like my choices and if anything they will look like twins which will help me to choose fun names for them!!
I am pretty certain I won't win anything, but I didn't join in for that. My main goal is to learn but I am really looking forward to watching everyone's Koi develop from the original photos and have fun with this group along the way as I know most of us are. Your's being so different was certainly a great way to learn. I would also like to see (when all is said and done with this contest) follow-up photos of them all around age 3- 4 and even older. Wouldn't that be fun?
If you don't mind -What are your top three faults-not including torn or mis-shaped fins? Terri