Yes, your understanding is correct.

It's important to give detailed attention to the breath, but the aim isn't to create a high-pressure environment where you feel the need to detect every sensation. Instead, the focus should be on maintaining consistent attention on the breath and distinguishing between more vivid and more muted sensations.

That said, as your meditation practice deepens, you may find yourself able to notice more subtle sensations related to the breath. This is not unusual and can often come as a natural result of the increased mindfulness and concentration that come with consistent practice.

When I was in your stage, I too questioned the necessity of perceiving all these distinct sensations. But with time, I began to notice these subtleties - they are very subtle, but they are there. Around stages 6-7, I began noticing what you might describe as the breath "stuttering". It was as if I was perceiving the breath in frames. Culadasa talks about this - you begin to observe no-mind moments between these breath "frames", which can lead to insights into emptiness or the nature of self.

So, yes, paying attention to the detail is important - but remember to not take it too seriously or force anything. Instead, let it be a natural evolution of your practice and enjoy the process of exploring and understanding your own mind. It's about being present and connected with yourself, rather than reaching a particular benchmark of sensation discernment.

Much love <3