..with no infusion of fresh genetic exchange, clones can eventually wear down over time, and can lose much of their vigor.......

If I keep a healthy mother, from what you are saying, the clones that I take from her, over time will become genetically less and less?

I admit that I am a total Nub to growing. If I was experienced, I still would not be the sharpeest tool in the shed, but nonetheless, that just doesn't make sense to me.

If I otherwise keep the mother healthy, taking cuttings from her wears down genetically?

If this is true, how often should I replace my mother with a new mother from seed?

Though I may be confused on this one point , I am certain what you shared about keeping up our own stock of seed may prove utterly invalueable to me. Thank you.