I can give u some brief answers to keep u going till the 'pros' come along.
1. Trichomes are part of the plants growth and mature on the plant as it flowers- Trichs on your bud may mature slightly as it dries but I think trichome production comes to a halt after cutting as the plant dies.
When Trichomes form they are small and crystal clear with tiny bulbed heads. These will slowly ripen and stand taller, changing from dew-drop clear to a milky-clear. They will eventually ripen to a more amber colour eventually become distended, swelling and liquiflying as they degrade. You want them half cloudy/amber/clear/
2. Also it sounds like youve been growing classic outdoor Sativas- the types of which u mentioned can be a little thinner on buds- but they practically grow themselves those types. Looks ok to me, a little under trimmed maybe but prob a lovely smoke.