You could be correct on why Cannoli want surface area over density.
Regarding potency, i believe there is higher potency in looser buds. My reasoning is more based from conversations I’ve had with my prescription licensed producers. Their products always have two numbers, “Actual†and “Potentialâ€, on the labels so i called them to ask for clarification. The “Actual†is the measurable amount of THC we see *ON* the material. The “Potential†is the measurable THCa *IN* the material. More THCa the better ðŸ˜
So to me that implies that increased volume size of the individual calyx forming the bud is where all the true goodness of the THCa is stored. Let’s say a kola is made of 100 loose calyxi plump with THCa and create a volume of 2 cubic inches. It will contain more THCa than the same kola made with 100 small densely packed calyxi at a volume of 1 cubic inch. And since the loosely built buds have more surface area, it allows more real estate for trich expression on the surface.
I may be waaay off base on it, but it all makes sense to me.
Since i can’t put a pic in the comment, I’ll add a pic of a label showing the 2 numbers below.