38... 20-25? and 19-24/ is losing a lot of space. You should play 38... 20 - 24.
If you go forwards you win space if you go backwards you lose space = room to play. Just like with go. The one who conquers the most space wins. So changiong back will often cost you space = room on the board. If you are develoepd well, you have plenty space to play.