Actually, the snake pictured looks like a really good example of a blonde pastel. I had one that looked a lot like that which had been produced by Will Slough. (he was known for having a very nice line of blondes with true blonde color)

As for the lighter baby you speak of, I'd put that male back to the same female he produced it with last year. If it's a hidden gene or something recessive, you may not get another one from a different female.

Since you know he's a viable breeder now, try putting him with a couple different girls again this year but id definitely put him back to the same girl as before.