^ i don't see anything in your Clown's colors - lightness or brightness. the flames u are referring to are also called tear drops and seem within the variation. i just see a nice, reduced pattern Clown but that is my opinion and i could be wrong. maybe others will chime in. how does he compare to the rest of his clutch?
the neck dorsal and skinny high pattern your 2nd snake reminds me of GHI. i looks too clean tho and even tho it is a dark snake, the colors still seem kinda off. i'm sure it's the het influence and this is just a cool dinker.
either way, it sounds like u have great plans and projects.