Blowouts are just part of the deal with a big batch like that. The extra oxygen and slower bubble action probably gave your good bugs a boost, which is why it tastes deeper now. Next time leave more headspace in the jar so the mess stays in the jar.

Radios with a good earpiece saved my ass more than once, learned that from an old timer who ran cranes for 30 years. Hand signals are fine til someone steps out of sight line, then you're just guessing.

Oh man I feel this. I read somewhere that Gintama has a bunch of those recap episodes hiding in the middle and nobody warns you. Had a buddy who almost dropped the show around the same spot til someone told him to just look up a guide.