I've been using the plugs for clones since I started growing about five years ago and they always perform....the shoe box is basically ly the same thing as the clone tray with a dome which I prefer...and I do like to use the plug holders rather than flipping them...that way they never fall over...
I just sit one T5 bulb on the dome...
Have not cracked seeds since outdoor stuff long long time ago, and just germinated 10 Chernobyl. Old school in paper towel in the toilet tank (cool and moist) then transferred to soil...
They all germinated fine, but 4 of the 10 have withered after being in soil for a few days...the paddle leaves were fine but the first weed looking leaved withered and were malformed on a few...looks like I should have 6 good ones though...now hopefully some girls in the bunch!