Bonsainut

John,
Great piece of stock to work on. I know You already know what to do by reading your post. Is this a current photo?
The things you mentioned are important. Sometimes a rest period to gain strength is needed. I have found that with Jun. Chin, Pro-nana, If you let each little branchlet get long the strength goes to the tip and the undergrowth turns from a green trunk to a brown branch. Then it will shed old needles.Then you have a mess!
That is why continued pinching is the only way to keep them in shape.
Rather that wait for the spring bud elongation you might consider a pinch back now. You will still get a spring flush of growth but it will be later and tighter.
You might benefit also by defining the pads in the crown, and bringing all pads into a horizontal position. Then pinch back all growth hanging under branches.
I have a feeling this was your plan any way right?

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Keep growing,---'Nut



Lethal Use of Farce