I hunt CA hot weather and pre-rut so I don't get the pleasure of hunting the rut. All I can do is tell you that you seem to be on the right track. There is no "right way" to figuring out Blacktail deer. Very general patterns can help you along the way, but trying to figure them out is impossible. See in CA, if it is stormy with HIGH winds the deer don't move. If it is pooring rain, they are up but under cover. If it is foggy and light rain they are out and about, and if it is right after a down pour they will be out trying to dry off. That is my experiences hunting them with bad weather, although most of my hunting is in July and August when it is hotter then a dutch oven.
Congrats on the great blacktails! that 4x4 is beautiful