**Glad to know the assessment was too harsh. smiles

Can't say what is causing the switch on things, but I "borrowed" your checkerboard image for a moment to circle something that gives me concerns.

The seam areas are down to 7, which is an improvement, but I would wonder how much of a problem that split on the crown would cause. I can't tell if it's the checkerboard texture on it that is causing what looks to be gaps and if it's the mapping causing it or perhaps the "switching" problem you're having.  Basically, the best way to test the seam areas is to throw a skin looking texture on it and render it from all sides, paying attention to those areas you know have to match.

Wish I could offer suggestions about the switching.
**