About conditioning only ears and below, it's because the vitamins/proteins hydrates well your hair nearest to the scalp and those benefitials won't get 100% to the ends of your hair, specially if you have long, long hair. This is why the ends tends to be drier than near the scalp. This is my experience working in a cosmetics store :3
That's why it's advisable to cut the tips once a couple of months, it's healthy for your hair~ cuts away the double ends
I have REALLY oily hair and I never have to use conditioner in that area. I just use a mascara once a week to revitalize my hair
Also, great thread! I loved all the tips <3