Did someone tell you to spray a plant twice in 3 days? I would defoliate too under those conditions. Getting heavy handed with any chemical after a repot is not a wise decision. I don't even spray soapy water that often.

I would keep the plant in a shady location, don't overwater, and leave the neem oil alone. Pick off any offending survivors you might find down the road.

You can't do anything about dead leaves unless your plant's name is Lazarus and you have divine powers.

I've never liked Black olive because they seem finicky and don't tolerate my kind of abuse.

randy

Does this belong in the gallery? Do you have a picture of the tree for us?