I like neoprene sleeve starting seeds. I didn't much like RW either. I used a digi scale to make sure the RW wasn't too dry or wet. 40mm cube should weight about 5g bone dry and without a plant in it.
I water until 25g and let dry until about 12g, then rewater. That usually takes 16-24hours depending on room humidity.
They need some form of nutrients at a real diluted rate. Like .2EC.