this.properties not initialized with default values (SPFX Client Webpart)

[Ricardo -Ralm-]

Hi all,

I'm developing a SPFX Modern Site Client webpart that has a large number of properties (currently around 40 and growing).
Due to that, Ive moved the non-critical properties to a form on the webpart itself when in Edit Mode. 

The issue I'm having is that all properties in "this.properties" are null on a new Webpart, essentially not using the defaults. 

I'm defining all defaults on Webpart.manifest.json

Any ideia why the object is not initialized with the defaults? 

Thanks. 

[#2]

@Ricardo -Ralm- Have you considered adding these webpart properties into pages. I can link here a nice blog that shows how to group the properties and show them in pages within the property pane.

https://www.c-sharpcorner.com/article/spfx-property-pane-configuration-options/