hey sticky, thanks for that info--very, very helpful to a newbie like myself. you know, the more i read the more it seems that a good rule of thumb would be something like, if in doubt, treat the plant like a person. i know that sounds crazy but what i mean is, you said
"This closes the end of the 1/2" stub that remains on the plant and blocks entry to bugs and disease."
it's like, if you absolutely have to cut a person (for their own good) then it's best to do it as painlessly and hygienically as the situation permits. similarly it's like you're saying to "bandage" the pinch with your thumbnail, is that right?
finally, i've never trimmed anything but my own hair but it sound like from your description that something largish and electrical is always gonna be too hamhanded, if you will. if that's the case, i've noticed the last few years a proliferation of what i would call "manscaping" products. there are all sorts of like little tiny trimmers, some for nose hair specifically i think, who knows. :wink: but they might be applicable for what you described... they look like miniature versions of the oster clippers i use to shave my husky/chow pupadog.