Not to drastically change/hijack the subject, but you made me think. The "perfect candle" is such an interesting subject.
In your intro you mention a variety of things... MP, throw strength, hangups. What we call perfect depends on context and goals. For my relative that wants to bake in FO? They probably don't care about anything more than the HT and scent (meanwhile their candle has mushrooms that would make the 60's jealous). Conversely, my fellow makers might care much more about melt pool characteristics and a long lasting burn life instead of optimizing the HT for an auditorium!
And is it perfect for the customer, the maker, or the at-home crafter that "just wanted to be successful" at even making the darn thing?
That's one of the things we should love about this trade/craft/muse.