Hi Peter,
Sorry if you feel I have taken your post out of context. I did not want to do that. If you reread my post, I am talking about in an actual in-scope application any difference may be very little or insignificant. I actually remarked at the immediate difference between the two. I have not disagreed with your statement
It is also important also note that the photo is a comparison between two specific products, one of which is particularly preferred for an astro application. The other less black item should not be thought of as indicative of other off the shelf velvet materials. Even the stuff sourced by Spotlight does vary from batch to batch as they source from different places and manufacturers - Spotlight does not manufacture anything, but sources products from many different places.
Alex.