G2G: Where should the merging process begin when duplicate profiles exist in multiple generations?

Question

I found a profile in 'Unmerged Match' status (April, 2018). A comment posted to the profile says profiles not merged because of duplicate profiles that exist for the father, son and other related profiles. However, when I reviewed some of those profiles, I found no pending merge requests or comments. So, I guess I really have two questions: 1) Is the reason noted above for the 'Unmerged Match' valid for not completing the merge? and, 2) When multiple profiles exist in several generation, is it better, preferable (or necessary?) to begin the merging process at the top of the family line?

Answer 1

Start with the furthest back generation.  i.e. Parents should be merged before children.

Answer 2

its better to start at the top of the tree, with the parents.

people tend to set "unmerged match" requests, then forget to come back and complete them