great article, THX. I can now put a name of what killed my scotts pines some years ago : Diplodia pinea. I tried everything (copper + mancozeb, bordeaux mix, even Thiophanate-methyl was useless while the fungus was developping very quick).
More recently, 2 years ago, i had the same symptoms on a scotts pine in late spring : the pine survived after having done this : candles removal (all the candles of the years because the new candles and its new needles are more sensitive & fragile) + application of lime sulfur 5% + bacilus subtilis QST 713 alternatly
Removing as soon as possible the candles with symptoms is a good thing IMO
Good condition (light wind, no humidity on the needles) & Prophylactic treatment from early spring to summer (lime sulfur 5% + bacilus subtilis QST 713 alternatly sprayed on needles) is the best to avoid this disease IMO