I did the same experiment and came to the same conclusion, this was my first and last time with the paper towels. My soil grow is a much stronger seedling.
I came to the same conclusion.
Notes to myself to remember next year:
The Turkish & Bursa had only been sprouted fo 4 days and were much easier to handle, separate, and transplant than the others which had been sprouted for 8-10 days. Exception being Lonnie's Havannah.
Paper towel starting: effective but seedling quality seems to suffer vs. starting mix. May try again, but suspect nutrient defeciency as the cause so will add a small amount of miracle grow to the water used to saturate the paper towels used for germination and consider it an experiment until improved results are seen.
I liked the 8x8 covered trays with only 3/4" of starting soil better than the smaller deeper trays with about 2" of soil. Easier to separate seedlings.
Great info. Nice grow log. Good luck.