Oh man, you're so right! I did the exact same thing with a telescope I got for my birthday. Skimped on the mount thinking all tripods were basically the same, and spent the whole night fighting with it every time a breeze blew. It's like the cheap ones are designed to make you crazy, isn't it? Now I just tell people to save up and get a good one from the start, or don't bother at all. You really do get what you pay for with this hobby.

Wait, you're telling me that expensive stuff actually breaks down after you start using it regularly?

Ugh that crawlspace swap story hits close to home for me. @reese177 makes a good point too - having a spare for the most used tool is smart, but honestly a backup chuck is just as important when you're in a tight spot. Nothing worse than being stuck under a house with a busted drill.

Wait have you actually tried removing latex caulk from a tiled shower corner after a year? It peels and cracks way faster than silicone, and then you've got mold creeping in those tiny gaps. Silicone lasts way longer even if it's a pain to apply. Most people just pick the cheaper option at the store without thinking about the steam and moisture in there. Latex is fine for baseboards or around windows but not for places that get soaked every single day.

Oh man, pocket screws are GREAT until they're NOT.