I'll have to try the braided look. My solution to the funny bottoms on balls of mozz is to put it back into the hot whey for a minute to soften it, then put it on a flat surface to smooth out the crimped bottom. Then into the cold water to set up.
They end up like really thick pancakes or flattened biscuits, though, instead of balls. while it doesn't affect the flavor, I'd prefer your pretty braids.