I see hardiness as applying to a specific species and not as the same scale for all types of corals. This for some reason specifically applies more toward acropora and SPS where there are some types that are easier to keep alive than others. This doesn't happen as much with torches for example...
Names mean much more than just a name when treated properly. Yes a lot of what we buy is word of mouth. Integrity comes to mind here and is what it should be about. Trust by vetting/word of mouth/reputation in either the vendor you are buying from or a fellow hobbyist that what they are...
Looks a lot more like salt creep due to trapped air. If its help in by clips, remove it while the pump is running maneuver it so the exit is the high point and push the air out the clip it back in.
I feed rods original plus hikari mysis/spirulina and brine/spirulina to all my tanks twice a day (very heavy broadcast feedings) and have had nothing bad come of it. I've never tried the herbivore blend.
Hey BAR! I'm holding some left over frags from the recent fragging workshop. Both are stags, one is a fluffy PE green stag. The other is JF Super Green Stag. PM me if you want to come by and pick up any or if you want me to bring you one at the frag swap. 4 frags of the fluffy PE and 10+ of JF...