Maryl I think your on to something, but I have to add this thought, I have several heavy ruffled edges and a several more with teeth that show no thrip damage at all.
I have also seen thrip damage on the first few blooms of some plants that cleared up with remaining blooms.
Also seen buds with the pistil sticking out the day before bloom that also had no thrip damage even though there was an opening available.
some plants just don't work out
