Opinion on Mantle and how to self-authenticate

[Wrightfan85]

So I've dreaded doing a thread like this because I try to authenticate myself but after looking at the previous Mantle thread and thinking the two were fake, I've lost a bit of confidence.



I got this from "The Written Word" over ten years ago. I believe they have a good reputation but I just need some peace of mind. To prevent me from doing these threads though, here are my questions:

1. Is letter construction important to authenticity or is it overstated?

2. How do you tell when an autograph is "labored?"

3. What is the best way to compile an exemplar library aside from getting an auto in person?

4. Is it possible to compare a signed item on a ball with a signed item on something flat or is it too different?

5. What's the secret to id'ing an auto in a setting where you can't pull out your exemplars?

Thanks and apologies for asking for free advice.