not trying to commandeer this thread, but i had a similar question regarding basically the same thing.
i have no pocket microscope to look through, is it possible to tell without the use of one, when its ready to harvest?
the chrystals on top are milky white, but i'm unsure if that's the trichomes
when i shine a LED flashlight on it i can see some shining like diamonds, as previously mentioned, but most are milky

i'll post a pic if i can get a good enough one to illustrate what i mean