I've read "Let them ripen on the tree until they give a little and have an aroma"

I've read "Never let them ripen until they slightly soften or have an aroma on the tree because they are now overripe" !

I've read "Let them fall from the tree".

Now,i've had two trees over the last decade have small good fruit. This year's are by far the earliest. The others were picked well into September and going until the weather cooled.

So,not enough to feel expertise on the method. Especially in California.