LM/VM column

[DrGreenT]

I have a question for you experienced distillers here. I built a LM/VM combination still, but instead of the standard Bok style takeoff for LM I used a soldered in bubble plate, and drilled a hole through side for 1/4" copper tube and needle valve for takeoff. Basically I wanted the distillate on the takeoff plate to have a chance to interact in further distillation cycles unlike the bok style slant plate where once it's in there it's "smearing". Column is 3" x 32", filled with porous ceramic (Cermedia) cubes.

Now, I've added a 3" tee directly below the LM/condenser section, with a 2" gate valve and liebig condenser. Last time I ran the still, I was able to takeoff around 94% @ .8-1 L/hour (no stripping run, just 12% TPW charged). Temperature at VM Tee was 173-173.5*F (using very accurate thermocouple and meter), and the hearts still had a bit of tails taste to them and clouded slightly after cutting. Even slowing down the takeoff didn't affect temp or smell.

SO here's my questions:

1) Is the bubble plate section in my LM head messing with my VM take-off, by creating a sealed higher distillation phase unlike the slant-plate style LM head (allowing lower alcohols to stabilize at the VM takeoff), resulting in the higher temperature and tails flavors?

2) Is a stripping run absolutely required to get a perfectly neutral product?