So, it feels redundant to have to create a DEFAULT POST when there are already default values lying around. But That’s what I’ve done. I’ve created a Default Post (like a default template for this category, and I’ll have to make one for each unique ACF category that I create) which is updated with the default options so that I can copy them whenever the default fields aren’t automatically set. The logic works like this:
If my post is set to Category1 &&
If my post’s ACF checkboxes are not already set
THEN update_field( $my_field_key, $copy_values_from_default_post, $default_post_id )
That’s my solution for today. Seems like it should have been more straightforward. Please let me know if there is a better way.
