I started with this set a couple years ago, around age 60. I train alone. Besides adding other exercises to my routine, I've changed slightly my practice of Wise Owl, Draw the Bow, Sway the Head, and Clench the Fists.
Then I got Dr Yang's The Essence of Shaolin White Crane. As with his other work, I'm really appreciating the detailed analytical approach that he uses in explaining the issues involved. I'm "an engineer type", and I know that small details can have significant unexpected effects.
The changes I've made seem small to me, but this book leads me to question whether are productive, or whether they might actually disturb the manipulation of qi intended by the set. Here's what I've done, simply in order to to multiply the effect of time spent.
1) In Wise Owl, while inhaling and turning to the other side, I add a single neck rotation. From facing left, I lead my chin down and to the right, then up and over to the left, then down and to the right again, in a loop ending in the right-facing position. Then everything in reverse for turning left.
2) In each of Draw the Bow, Sway the Head, and Clench the Fists, I've been emphasizing a deep horse stance. I'm almost to the point of horizontal thighs. In addition, I often practice this deep horse stance for up to 3 minutes (so far -- it's a challenge) each night while executing some forward punches.
I don't expect too much noticeable difference from the neck rotation, which I intend simply as a loosening activity. The horse stance work has resulted in notable improvement in leg strength. I'm not sure, but I think I feel a difference in back strength as well.
However, being a rookie, I want to check: are these changes compatible with, or counterproductive to, the intended effects of the normal practice of these moves as demonstrated by Dr Yang in the DVD?