It's worth it

A quick note, and no screenshots until I blur out some information on shared matches because the new enhanced features really are a gamechanger. I needed a mental break, so I dug into family history research. I thought the new tools would help uncover the connections on the Dooner-adjacent side of my Dad's O'Brien line, and maybe they will with a bit more sleuthing. 

I was more surprised to see a huge cluster of DNA matches pop up very clearly centered in Pittsburgh, descending from a James John O'Brien born in Ireland sometime about 1843. I likely have a common ancestor around James' grandfather (or grand-uncle), connecting into my 3rd-great-grandfather John O'Brien. As he was born about 1793 in Ireland, I thought it was unlikely I'd be able to tie into this line of the tree. But we're close. Really close. There's more work to do, but I can see much more possibilities now with a clear tie to a big cluster of matches on the O'Brien line.

On my Mom's side of the tree, I've run into some complications and may need to redo my steps on the mysterious Cain-Flatt line.

As to whether it was worth it to pay the extra $10 per month for Pro Tools, so far yes, but I wish these features were included into the All Access we're already paying for. Enhanced shared matches alone is pretty amazing. Now roll out updated matches with DNA communities and we'll be really on our way.