What would a female be one pear shape on each side? Instead of 2 balls
I think that what you want to focus on is the anthers, the hairs.
Male pre-flowers will never have them.
I have heard that males show first, and you seem to have seen this
yourself, but I have found females to be easier to ID.
Someone pointed out that male preflowers appear often to be attached
to the plant by a small stem where the female flowers seem to sit right
on the plant. (though I expect that they have a stem...it is just not visible)
HTH, you got some great advice already....I am just practicing. :0)
JD