Well, if you think about it, 1 gram is a lot more to an 8 gram baby than it is to a 25 gram one. So don't get too hung up on the numbers, it is all relative, of course!!
The great thing about dubias is the lack of super crunchy (and hard-to-digest) shell! I think you are probably more than okay to give him the 'smalls' instead of the 'extra smalls'. Sounds like our babies are right on par with their size relative to age, and my guy gobbled up the 'smalls' like nobody's business! I agree... Crickets are the freakin worst! They jump, they smell, they make noise, and they're not as good as other bugs for the dragons!
Anyway... Can we get some pictures?? Sounds like your little guy is doing great, and nothing warms the heart like a happy, healthy dragon!! ((And the babies are soooooo cute, trying to convince my significant other that we need more...
))