Labeling both ends is really just the same habit as putting your keys in the same spot every night. People skip it because it feels like wasted time in the moment, then they spend way more time later digging around for what they should have marked in the first place. Twelve minutes up front to save an hour of head scratching is a trade most folks would take if they thought about it. The guys who don't do it usually aren't lazy, they just haven't been burned enough times yet. Give it a few more jobs and the ones who doubted you will be the ones asking for your tape.

My buddy still rants about that one.

Honestly the hazy look is just what they are, so I would not blame the lens at all. Late afternoon has worked best for me since the low sun hits the edges and makes the layers pop.