the norm is to prune now and fridge. As far as the graft goes either way is fine, I have done both. But for the tree being pruned, now is best.

I don't think the Honeycrisp sucked due to your climate. It sucked due to Honeycrisp. I did a similar thing to my HC tree to try to make the tree relevant. Keeping some HC on it is a good idea, as it is good apple to have in your mix. It does live up to it'sname it is sweet and crisp. I wish there was a "honeyflavcrisp" that was that sweetness and crispness with a good apple flavor too.