This is exactly the kind of info I'm looking for. The websites discussing some of these traits are very old and not complete with some of the newer genes.

The merles pop out mixed 50/50 for me. They are either that lilac color or they are dark - there is no in between. Are you saying there isn't another gene at play there?

I want my merles to look more like the one you posted - any tips on how to cross them out to get the pattern more blotchy?

Good to know my high whites come from variegated. I get crazy mixes from mostly berk x berk or berk x irish and berk x any of the high whites with face mask types of features. Michelle - what are the names of the groups you recommend?