I think they're more complex than was previously thought.
For example, Tina's babies were the product of a "True" flame crossed with a North-eastern morph eastern garter snake. The babies are obviously a mix of pure flames and partial flames. This leads me to think that the two of these genetic traits are the same, but their intensity is dictated by genetics. However, their concentration between the lateral scales and on the scales themselves may be a different gene.
I have seen this North-eastern morph in 3 colors; red (flame), orange (???), and yellow (???). The last of which may only be slightly noticeable on most snakes. So, hypothetically, crossing a "true" flame with one of these orange or yellow animals should provide a yellow (or orange) colored snake, such as Don's orange eastern.
Is there anyone out there currently breeding for these yellow/orange flames?
Any other comments on the statements above?