When I hear what you say it sounds like you have the right concepts. It seems to me that it is simply a matter of technique and maybe slowing down. You can do everything right up to one bad stroke and then undo all the good you have done with that one bad stroke. I know I have gone all the way through and had to go back to the beginning because I let my attention drift for a moment. A moment is all it takes. When I look at the pics you posted it looks like some missed strokes may have occurred. You sound like you are eager to get it right and have an open mind. Stick with it and take it very slow.