ducksterman-
To answer your question on the action: I sort of know from experience that the maribou will undulate just fine. Also from experience, if I see the wetted tail (just like when the fly is lifted from the water) I can sort of tell if it could use fewer or more feather on it from having thrown so many doll jigs and buggers.

I am guilty of over dressing flies too. I am trying to put less on them these days. It doesn't take much material in the water to attract a fish. I mean-look at a Partidge and Orange Soft Hackle fly. Nothin' there hardly and those work well and undulate.

Coah Rob- I too dress them fuller for demos and to please the camera. Once again-Neat pattern.

Rich