I went ahead and picked up the ribbing. There’s a visible line where the pattern changes – it looks like I’ve picked a wrong-side row. I’m now debating pulling the ribbing out and seeing if I can pick it up right-side, and see if that improves the look.
There’s also a really noticeable line of looser stitches on one side of the ribs – maybe I’m just out of practice, or maybe because it’s acrylic? Acrylic is a lot less forgiving of poor technique and tension.
I think that for future uses of this provisional cast on I should use a thicker waste yarn – I think it might be easier to pick up the provisional edge. So – maybe frog the whole thing and start over? I’m pondering it.