Hi Alice, I see you didn't get any response to this question. Anything further to report? Are the fruits still dropping? I know you're busy now, but after the storm goes by, maybe post a picture? Always helpful to get another pair of eyes or two looking at it.
I really don't have an answer and I think your theory of the tree thinning the fruit itself might be the right one.
Only other thought that came to mind is the size of the container - is it big enough? The tree may have put on a lot of root growth before having such a bumper crop of fruit.
