Trichomes progress from clear, (not mature) to cloudy, (mature) to the over-ripe (a technical term) rusty. (or amber if you prefer, or brown...same thing) A pocket microscope or loupe is unnecessary if you have good eyes and a 5x magnifying glass.

Perhaps you could cite the edition, because although I've been growing for quite a few years, I've NEVER seen the trichomes skip the cloudy (a milky color) phase. Closest exception...as new foliar growth grows late in flower, the older trichomes are mature already as immature trichomes are appearing in the new growth.

Regarding trichome maturity:
Depends on the effects you want, and what you are using it to treat. Some folks get too paranoid, or react negatively if the plant is over-ripe. Some can't handle the shit expanding in their lungs. Some can't tollerate the harshness of immature or un-cured smoke. Some blend the ripe buds with the over-ripe buds for a different effect. Some segregate them entirely for a certain flavor profile...

A lot of the variables depend on it genetics, (sativa or sativa dom, indica or indica dom...) who is growing it, the methods they use, the lighting and nutrients, skill level of the gardener, adherance to fundamental biological principles, local humidity, ambient co2 levels, fresh air and temps...then there's the cbn/cbd interractions and concentrations, and...well...the list
goes on...

More time reading on CanCom, less time with your nose in High Times looking at the pretty pictures...:jointsmile: