Was the drop in quality because of the schedule, or did the schedule change because the quality was already slipping? Sometimes pushing out more content just makes a weak idea more obvious.

Thought fibers were just a waste of money. I skipped them for years because my mixes were fine without. Seeing how they stop cracks changed my mind completely. Now I add them early and the finish stays smooth with careful troweling. It's a simple step that makes a big difference.

Bet that 'clean slate' looked great for about five minutes before the mud slides started! Spring probably brought a lovely crop of weeds instead of grass, and all the birds he scared off are now laughing from my yard. Classic case of haste making waste, with extra dirt on top. Hope he enjoys his new mosquito breeding ground! Maybe next time he'll think before he chops.