Remember when we all just pulled on ropes until our hands hurt? Now we're out here doing math to set up a clothesline. I tried explaining a 4:1 mechanical advantage to my neighbor and he just stared at me like I was building a spaceship. It works though, can't argue with a tight line even if you need a degree to set it up.

Those guides are usually written by pros who have the right tools and have seen it all. A rusted nut is a basic variable they expect you to handle. If you don't have a good basin wrench and penetrating oil, of course it'll take longer. The time estimate is for the task under normal conditions, not for every possible hang-up.

Ugh, that's maddening! I was wiring a new outlet once and the homeowner kept flipping the circuit back on to charge their phone... while I was holding the bare wires. Had to explain it like five times.

That "stop and think" moment you described hits home. I remember @nancy820 telling that story about her friend's shelf breaking, and it makes you really look at what you have. Do you feel like you're holding onto books out of habit, or does every single one of those 500 still mean something to you?

Been there, a fresh download and a checksum check saved me.