Kenneth wrote:

Yes, but my take on the specifics would be this:

For the crust to brown properly, it needs to have sugar in
the dough.

If the critters have eaten too much of the sugar, there will
be little left to brown. That is what causes that
"yellowish" color we sometimes see.

I hope that you are having fun with all this...

All the best,

I think I have the same take on it.

My loaves with no sugar are pale unless over baked a lot.

Mike
Some bread photos: http://www.mikeromain.shutterfly.com