On that note, does anyone else use a pushpin to open up the hair holes a bit more before rooting the hair? I find I break fewer needles that way and it doesn't take as much force to get the hair into the hole. I'm beginning to think I root more hair per hole than most people though so maybe that's why I have a harder time!
i use a T-pin for that but due to stiffness in my hands of late I've also started to use a hot air gun to heat the pony making the plastic softer and more pliable for a short time to make the whole task lest resistive.
a hair dryer will also work for this.
as for glue i've used a few types previously was using PVA wood glue
now im using an acetone based quick drying clear glue 450 .
i've not used primers in the past but I have found that the g4 ponies plastic dosn't assept paint as well as g3 and only ponies so I would suggest using a primer on those.
either vagelos primers or the citadel spray ones but those can be costly.
giving the baits a good wipe over with pure acetone or 100% Iso Pro Alcohol can help with paint adhesion on the base coat as it changes the surface of the plastic a little.