The pics above seem to validate the D 35s got the inferior spruce, like my D 35's bearclaw. Look at those tone killing stripes in the spruce!
Seriously though I don't think the stripes are tone killers, just variations in lignin concentration. Lignins are the second-most concentrated element in wood after cellulose.
I suspect the stripes may be one of the fine distinctions between AAA and AA, though, as my AA D40 has stripes
and magnificent silking, albeit there's a couple of wide bands that have a more ribbon-like appearance, so it's not as consistent across the top as the AAA F65ce which is totally consistent and has no stripes.
Also seem to recall hearing that color gets darker the closer to the heartwood, and the closer to the heartwood the better the suitability for tops, in any case. Somebody please correct me if I'm mistaken there.
Truth to tell I actually like the D40's top more, aesthetically, as it's much more interesting to look at. I once called it "whole grain" vs. the F65ce's "white bread" top.