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Paval --
Which side of the negatives are the scratches on? If they're on the emulsion side, and if the scratches are random (not always in the same places or running in the same direction) the films may be scratching each other as you agitate them in the fixer or during the wash. If the scratches are on the backs of the sheets and if they're very fine (barely visible), more or less parallel, and running lengthwise on the sheets, they may be caused as you load or unload the holders. If the scratches are on the backs of the negatives and fairly short and not parallel, you may be scratching the films as you remove them from the tubes.
You may also see some dull (not shiny) areas on the backs of the negatives. These are caused by the film's contact with the inside surfaces of the tubes; these are not really scratches and they aren't very serious because they almost never print.
You don't need to work in the dark after the loading the tubes with developer. You can work in room light during development, and if you can get the tube cap off and get the tube into the stop bath within two or three seconds, you can do that in the light, too. Just be sure the stop bath in the tray is 2 cm. or more deep and roll the tube in the stop bath for several seconds to be sure the film has been rinsed thoroughly. Of course you should use an acid stop bath; don't use plain water.
You can continue the process in room light; the film emulsion is still sensitive to light until it's been thoroughly fixed, but after development has been stopped by the acid stop bath there's no danger of fogging film and you can fix and wash the negatives in the light. That may help to prevent scratching in the trays.
Sorry, I don't know whether there are rental darkrooms in SF or not; perhaps someone else can give you that information.
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