None of those are much of any issues considering the big picture. I grow in hydro, so of course making sure the soil is dried out wouldn't apply in my situation. However I have cut down plants outdoors without the soil being dry, and guess what? I still got weed! The plants dried out all by themselves. I niether flush or have a dark period and I end up with fantastic weed. I will probably try flushing at some point in the future, but I have yet to find any scientific proof that a dark period is advantagous.