The problems BW had were caused by putting "drainage material" in the bottom of the pot, the use of which is a myth. The laws of hydraulics say the interface between dissimilar materials will resist the flow of water until overcome by gravity. So not only does putting such material in the bottom of your pot interfere with drainage, it also interferes with the ability to wick. I've grew in auto pots for three years and never had an issue with the rootzone, in fact, I had rootballs that would rival DWC.
Everything looking beautiful in your garden my friend.
Thinking about your post last page about the autopots and rockwool.
I agree with NOT using the rockwool -- it wicks really quick, and with water in the bottom, it will be very wet up that 'column'.
I used to use rockwool many many years ago, it was great for clones but was too wet after rooting for my conditions then.
You said there were several layers in your medium in the autopots.
Made me think of a grower on YouTube, "Bill Ward" -- just search his name, should come up -- he may be grower here on AFN...
Anyway, he got some autopots a couple of months ago, but had issues.
You can find his vids on YouTube from maybe a month or two ago, he's done several rounds already.
The bottom feeding made the bottom layer too wet, which caused root rot.
But then it wasn't wicking up high enough to the top, so there were no roots there, like your situation.
And then the bottom watering, then drying, was leaving high undissolved solids/salts content,
messing with his pH on the next wet cycle when it start wicking up again.
He partly solved it by top watering, but then removed the whole res system and hand watered (defeats the purpose, but needed to save his plants).
Not sure if the same problem you are having, but maybe worth looking at his grows.
He's a very good grower, knows what he is doing, and worth learning from.