Interesting theory there. I tend to let things grow unless there is a clear an obvious problem, stunted growth etc as you mentioned Ted.
I think we all discussed on cubits about the whole clean stock vs importing stock (buying from others) and introducing it into our gardens. I do think dahlias are more resilient than we give them credit for. I have taken dahlias that voles have eaten the entire tuber and only left 1/2 inch of the crown and they rooted again. Trial and error it's what I like the best about growing plants. You just figure out what works for your growing environment the flowers are the reward.
I really think the main other dahlia issues people should obviously be aware of and avoid is the crown gall and leafy gall but you would be able to see LG easy and crown gall when you dig tubers.
