The symmetry of the puzzle allowed me to get a rather simple min cycles +1 solution, but building like this can never allow you to get to theoretical min cycles "20".

The core challange is for the last product, both inputs have to bond immediately and output one cycle later. But the Vitae needed for this has to be produced 2 inputs earlier. This leads to a rather complicated formula, where inputs need to be converted early but also have to be in a certain position to both bond instantly for the last product.

In the end, I wasn't able to think of a design even close to achieving this. My utmost Respect for everyone that managed to get min cycles. (hopefully not everyone in the top 20)