It seems to be more than that...
The line the Silver Queens originated from have given me some interesting material to work with. The form of Hypomelanism seems to be very rich compared to the other lines I have. And the Amelanistics for the most part have also had that slight edge to them. All of this is subjective, of course, but many of the cultivars we are going to be applying identifiable labels to are likely to be combinations of subtleties. I don't think there are any cultivars available right now that could NOT be further subdivided into distinct sub-cultivars (if there is such a term). Look at this photo of one of my Silver Queens. There are several in my later generations leaning towards this particular look. Does that warrant yet another name? I could to the same with the Lavenders, Butters, Ambers, Anerythristics, Charcoals, Charcoal Ghosts, etc., etc.
So what is the test of whether a particular *look* in a previously homogenous group of similarly genetic animals warrants a new name to identify it?
I am considering withdrawing the name 'Milk Snake Phase' for the corns I am producing. Not because I don't think they are different looking from what used to be my regular Miami Phase Corns, but because I have been inclined to favor the Milk Snake Phase LOOK in all of my Miami Phase corns over several generations, and I am no longer certain of what a run-of-the-mill Miami Phase corn is anymore. I like the Milk Snake Phase look, so anytime I picked out the keepers from the Miami Phase, they would always look like Milk Snake Phase Corns.
I guess it's just a matter of not knowing what is best to do. On even days I think we should name anything substantially different enough as a separate cultivar, but on odd days I think simple is better. But whom makes these kinds of decisions? The marketplace? If I threw all of my Miami Phase and Milk Snake phae corns together in a barrel, I would have a tough time figuring them out again. But people are willing to pay more for the Milk Snake Phase than the Miami phase just based on the different name applied to them. And don't even get me started on the Fluorescent Orange/Amelanistic Okeetees! I will tell people flat out that there is very little difference in the appearance between the two, and yet the higher priced Fluorescents are always in greater demand.
Aw heck. It's 3 am. Should I delete this as being late night ramblings or just post it and go to bed?