Good post Waz!
I have at least two builds that were finished entirely with Tru Oil.
One all natural Alder, no stain, just TO. And one alcohol analine dye with TO. (that one has binding too)
If I can get motivated, I'll snap some before & afters like you. The Alder was done July 2017, the dyed one April 2019.
I'd be interested in the difference (if any) myself.
It's a bit like us getting older, you don't notice day-to-day, then suddenly... Holy crap!!! When did I get so OLD!!!![]()