Gosh that is interesting. I do not recommend fresh manure because of nutrient leaching and slugs but its been a dry season which will have helped. Certainly if you have good pak choi with mulching like that, well done.
For most of us, using compost is the safest method, however its great that you posted this because it shows how ultimately there is a lot of scope to do things differently, according to materials and time available, weather, soil and weeds etc.
Experimenting next year sounds a brilliant plan and I look forward to hearing more and to meeting you at the Fair on November 1st.
