Once again Al you have provided us with a great 'how-to' article...Thanks for that, and nice to have you back...I do like 'Smoke and mirrors' but it is just a bit more comfortable to have bonsaial around the forum...
I have also noticed a trend to not place the moss all the way to the edge of the pot and plan to make more use of that technique myself, however I think some trees just look better with a full surface covering with 'the water aquaducts' of course...Trees that give the illusion of being in a meadow or park I feel are better displayed with moss all the way to the edges...Trees that indicate a sparse or rough environment do seem to benefit from larger 'aquaducts' and large spaces between moss and pot edge...I believe this is apparent from the great examples you have posted...
I too have difficulty keeping moss alive durring the summer months here in south central Texas, especially on trees that have sparse foliage that doesn't provide shade for the pot...If anyone has suggestions on how to achieve this I for one would be very interested in hearing about them...
Thanks again for your efforts, and sharing your knowledge...This is one of the reasons this forum remains at the top...
Regards
Behr
Behr