Read somewhere that wetting the clay a little first can make a huge difference, is that true?

Rules are just guidelines, plants do their own thing.

Classic management move, honestly.

What template did you end up using, lol?

Honestly you are overcomplicating it. Skip the scoring and forget about the oven. Just use a heavy pan on medium heat with a little oil and press the skin side down. Leave it alone for like ten minutes until it releases on its own. That constant contact is what makes it perfectly crispy every single time. It takes patience but not three hours.