I cut the fronts off the bags and parts of the bottom (though mostly I couldn't get to the bottom without upsetting everything). The soil was evenly moist all the way through, so I think that answers the drainage question. But there were two places which looked a bit root-bound. Which means they are probably root-bound in the places I can't see as well. It's not super bad, but that might be part of the problem. Kind of a bummer. I didn't have root issues when I grew them in a container this size before (which is why I thought it would work), but I forgot to take into account that they were not planted so closely (I think they were more like 4 inches apart in that container). I hope opening up the bags helps. =P

Where did you get the seeds from were they store bought or saved? To me it doesn't look like anything is eating them it looks more like a mosaic virus. I will say that sometimes when aphids suck the juices out of plants they cause deformed leaves, but I don't think that is the cause. If other people on here think it could be a mosaic virus as well I would destroy those plants and start over. Typically there is discoloration associated with mosaic viruses so maybe that isn't what it is. Sometimes seedlings just have a few deformed leaves initially and then they seem to correct the problem somehow. I have let such plants grow only to be very disappointed with them. Whatever the cause those are examples of plants I would thin out.

I've been watering with ro-drip tape. I've increased the frequency of watering. The blue is blue plastic mulch.

I see in the last picture link that bag of cactus soil. Did you amend this soil when you potted your Aloes? It doesn't look like you added much perlite or gravel to the mix, but maybe you did. This soil can compact and dry out. Once it is dry, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to get it hydrated again. Water will run around the hard dry soil, but not through it. So then your plant is not getting the water you are giving it. I have had plants appear to have nice moist soil, but the soil around the roots was compacted and dry - meaning my plant was very thirsty. The leaves on your aloes look thin, making me think your plant is not getting the water. The recent rain may have soaked through any dried soil. Let's hope so! The color doesn't concern me as much as the thin leaves. These 2 plants had pretty much the same growing conditions. The one on the right did receive more of the evening sun. That one stayed brownish, but both had the plump leaves one expects to see.