I stopped using the paper towel long ago when my tap roots grew into them. Not a fan of that bullshit lol.
My germination rate is just as good as anyone else's and I don't have to deal with the bs of being gentle.
I skip a step and get the same results as everyone else.
Wait for seed to sink. Plant in starter soil in a solo cup, water, and keep it 78 degrees.
So simple.
But to each his own. Everyone likes to do shit different ways and I applaud that.