In an optimal world it would be a rule. But so many people bring non compliant containers or no containers or no labels that the clear lid part isn’t something we’ve wanted to make a big deal out of. But yeah if you already have the right containers please use those.
Regarding the question about labels being the same, that would only be true if you label covers the whole top of the lid, so please don’t.
The idea is members should be able to tell what the coral is by seeing it and reading the label from the top without having to pick it up on a crowded table to look at the side. You’ll still pick it up if you are interested, but at least you don’t have to pick all of them up. That’s the theory at least.
This is all just the way it has been. Josh can make new rules if he deems them worth trying.
I also have tons of extras of the clear containers, and I donated a bunch to bring to the swaps already that are in our “swap stuff” bins. But it’s much better if it’s all done before the swap.