I've directly pitched white labs twice (poor planning, no time for a starter) into 5 gal and both times, the fermentation took DAYS to get going! I've used the Activator twice and had active fermentation within 12 hours. I think it probably mostly depends on how fresh your source is, but I agree, always doing a starter guarantees a good fermentation from the beginning.
I have directly pitched smack pack and it worked. I have directly pitched tube and it worked. I have made starters of both and they worked.
and now I just use S04 S05 and am happier, richer and can brew without having to drive 1/2 hour to get liquid yeast. I can't tell the difference in my beer.
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