Ever see a perennial plant after it's outlasted it's 'normal' lifespan? Same thing happens with cannabis clones. Although they are genetically perfect copies, they are still chronogically as "old" as the original clone-mother. Cannabis is an annual, not a perennial. With clones we are manipulating that aspect.

If I'm not mistaken, the "clone-only" strains are a simple phenotype of a certain cross. It's not that they won't reproduce, but the particular phenotype will be lost to it's own genetic diversity when pollinated. An experienced breeder knows what they did to get to that point, and knows how to continue getting there in the future. I think it's folly to put that extra effort into a plant that grows like a weed just fine, but I'm guessing the money makes it worth the effort. (unusual shit often costs more, for some reason)

For example...Let's say I cross pollinate a (sativa dominate) Potent Purple x Durban Poison, with an (indica dominate) Diesel x Master Kush. The first-generation seeds, when germinated, will show a minimum of 4 different phenotypes. (from the parents, and possibly from THEIR parents as well) And let's say that only one of those resultant plants has everything I want in a cannabis plant, but the rest of the phenotypes are quasi-garbage in comparison.

So lets re-cap...I now have 4 strains of differing quality, colors and growth habits but only one of 'em is worth saving and growing. How do I keep that trait alive, but keep the other three phenotypes out of my growroom? Since they came from the same parents, the genes are still expressed in different ways. Just like brothers and sisters of different ages, from the same parents. There will be differences between the kids, especially when they age.

For the weekend breeder, only two things could be done to keep the integrity of the desirable phenotype. For the average gardener, this means either self-pollinate, (femming) or clones. But every time you pollinate it to itself, it still has the 4 different sets of genetic imprintings which offer it's resultant seeds "genetic diversity".

I've re-vegged quite a few plants up-to 7 indoor growing seasons. But between the time I started the re-veg process, and the final set of clones...the strain has 'drifted' a tad. Sometimes more trichomes but tighter buds...sometimes less trichomes but stronger physical effect when smoked, (coughing) but a fluffier bud structure. Sometimes a different aroma, fewer trichomes, but a stronger "What were we talking about?" effect when smoked.

Are these "clone-only" strains any better than a seeded strain...? IMHO, nope. As a matter of fact, MY version of a perfect strain is likely different than YOUR version of a perfect strain. It's all in the marketing. I've smoked a few of the "clone-only" strains, and wasn't overly impressed. Certainy not impressed enough to change my growroom or techniques. Plus, I don't have room enough to keep one mother for years, if I want to grow any other strain. (which I do quite often)

Wasn't necessarily trying to target your knowledge-base with the comment, I was just pointing-out to you and the other members in here, that actual experience and knowledge prevents you from having to assume. Those that assume often take unnecessary risks looking for shortcuts that don't exist, or shortcuts that are actually harmful to the plants, genetics, saftey of the growroom...