I have a variation of the old Sting song "free, free, set them free" when it comes to brewing tea leaves. If you're lucky enough (or splurge) to get whole leaf tea, don't bunch, crush or squish them into a tea ball or similar gadget that doesn't let them steep fully. Use a handy press or filter cup. Set them free! Steep each round for less than 2 minutes and you can re-steep and drink the same leaves several times (4-5 times amazingly), varied with subtle nuanced flavors.