When you mentioned turbine torching do you mean autoignition, or did the J-79 have secondary/backup method of AB ignition, the hot streak or hotshot technique?
Autoignition.
Having seen other aircraft's burners light inflight, I remember smooth opening of the nozzles and symmetrical balance of flame between the two engines.
The J-79 afterburner spark plug ignited a torch igniter which had its own fuel supply and as the afterburner selection increased, burner combustion initiated in the core of the flow and spread outwards until max thrust.
The torch igniter, staged lightoff of the burner, plus good flameholder design are likely the reasons I have good memories of the J-79 afterburner performance.
