> It is all personal taste, funds, and trial and error. No hard and fast rules.

Let's not forget the fun of messing around with those leaves.
Whenever I get a new sample I get pretty picky using a digi-scale and
thermometer (and my trusty titanium spoon <g>), taking a ton of notes
and I truly enjoy the whole affair. But being a really messy individual
90% of the tea I drink (~4 liters daily) is more of a casual affair. I
just boil some water. depending on the tea allow it to cool for a
while, pour it over a pinch of leaves and after "some time" strain the
brew into my dragon cup. Usually this results in a pretty enjoyable
brew.
Now it's back to the hotel for some studies and more cups of that
lovely Marg.Hope Autumn, aah ...

BTW: at 9.20 this morning it started to RAIN ! After more than 3 dry
months in the hills of Darjeeling the rain is back. People went out on
the streets joyfully singing and shouting "Paani paryo !" (water
falls=it rains). Ever seen that happening anywhere in the "west" ?
I just can't get enough of this place and its people.

Karsten / Darjeeling