Walter,
Ken,
So far as I know the wetting agent does not promote absorption of Solution A into the emulsion. Rather, it releases the surface tension and allows Solution A to spread over the surface of the negative instead of pooling or streaking in one area as some liquids tend to do after they drain. If Solution A drains in streaks this could result in uneven development because Solution B would come into contact with uneven amounts of Solution A.
And no, I don't believe a longer pre-soak would accomplish the same thing as the wetting agent.
Sandy
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