I think this self-pollinating idea is too iffy hence back to basics next year
I agree!
When I am considering changing from a tried and trusted variety to try something new I never put my eggs in the one basket!
Usually I grow around 70-80% of the tried variety and the balance with the new variety.
In this way I get a true comparison as they are both getting the same treatment*. I make my decision at the end of the season if I am going to go for the old or the new.
* Growing them in different years does not give a true comparison as weather conditions could be very different from one year to the next.
Then there is "The Memory" thing can you really remember how things were a year ago?
It certainly wouldn't be reliable with me as I can forget something from five minutes ago!