Regarding patches that are the perfect thickness.

If you wipe the bore between shots as I do, having a patch that fits well - not too thin, not too thick - makes the wiping a lot easier. I suspect those who really hate wiping between shots are using a patch/jag combination that's too tight.

I have jags in three different diameters for my .50's and two different diameters for the 45's and two for the 54's. Then I can use the jag that works best with the patches being used. I just mounted the jags in a cordless drill and turned them down a bit using a file while spinning the jag.