Ian, Thank you very much for this most interesting issue. I have an additional question concerning transplanting of very small corms/bulbs - in this particular case Crocus laevigatus.
In which position do you place them in the new pot? Did you try to plant them in their original direction or do you think it doesn't matter if the young corms or bulbs are placed quite accidently?
I ask this because sometimes it is difficult to spot the 'poles' where the leaves or roots sat.
Gerd