Chances how you will still be confused when you get answers here.

Everyone does it a little differently so you will get many answer.

My best advice with everything you have read find what you think will work for you.

What I do: I don't drop temps, I breed year round, male stays with a female 2 days (less if I observe copulation), my males usually see the female they are "assigned to" once or twice a month. I paired my animals during cool front, rainy days, storm etc (pairing during low barometric pressure)