Crazy mat on back of head
Dread Maintenance
I think it's normal for the 'net' thing you mention. My roots are pretty matted very close to the roots, so no matter how hard you pull, you can't separate them. I saw a video that said that's normal and OK, it's only a problem when the dreads themselves start to join together, and that's why you need to separate. You're keeping the dreads separate, but the roots can mat up a bit.
Anyway, separate as often as you need to; whether it's once a month or five times a day, whatever works for you, however often you need to. As your dreads mature, the amount of time you separate will become less frequent.