My grandma's trick was soaking the bread in custard overnight. The texture gets way better that way. It's the only method I use now.

That "you get what you pay for" line is mostly true, but it can lead you wrong. I've seen plenty of mid-range gear that's just as good as the top stuff but without the fancy name. Sometimes you're just paying for the logo.

Oh man, I feel this so hard. I did the exact same thing, followed the daily rule like it was law. My starter was always kind of sluggish and smelled a bit like old gym socks. Then I went on a long weekend trip and came back to what looked like a total loss. I was so mad at myself. But I scraped off the gray stuff and fed the bit underneath, and it bounced back crazy fast. Now I only feed it when the jar looks empty and hungry, maybe every two or three days. It's way more bubbly and has a nice tangy smell, not that sour milk smell. It just seems happier when it gets a real break between meals.

Exactly, it's just entertainment at the end of the day. People act like waiting for a comic book is some huge life event. It's a story, not a kidney transplant.

Wait, the old warehouse district? That place is still standing?