I have tried PR's basic whole wheat loaf from his whole grains bread book three times and love it. I am following the instructions exactly but I have questions that I feel he doesn't explain or I can't find clearly written on the website.

1. The soaker oxidizes and turns grey. I wrapped it completely in cling wrap so no air could get to it and it still turned. Would a vacuum sealer/container stop this from happening or is there something else I can do?

2. When I mix the soaker, biga, and other ingredients together, is there a method for properly mixing the yeast, honey, and oil where they do not combine first before being kneaded together or does it matter?

3. When finally kneading the dough, I have to keep adding water to my hands (like every third or fourth knead) so they won't get gummy from the sticky dough and then I have to add more flour to adjust for the water. All PR mentions is putting water on hands but for me it seems like a lot of water and flour adjustments from the original recipe. Is my dough not adjusted properly to begin with or is this normal?

Thank you for your help.