Thanks, that helps shed some light on things.

I'm running a pruned back end that serves another node fine. I don't notice any difference in practical usage of a node ( I imagine if I wanted to do accounting or any kind of retroactive query it's not going to be much use though)

My OP was mostly hoping to get an answer about diagnosing issues when doing an initial synctograph. So far, I think I've got it syncing, although it was not getting pongs back sometimes.

For the time being, I think I'm going to stick with pruning as smaller flexible nodes that don't require a shit tonne of resources.

No doubt will look into Neutrino in time (if my next abode has wireless internet)