Worn-out tools that mark the passage of time" is dead on. My old tape measure with the faded numbers tells a better story than any new one ever could.

Maybe @the_eric's cousin is onto something with the whole hidden ballot idea. Those carousels going in circles are a lot like the endless spin of political news. You drop your bag and just hope your choice comes back around.

Yeah, the "stilts and makeshift platforms" part is a killer. I tried a setup like rubyschmidt mentioned once, but on a sloped ceiling it just felt too shaky for me. I ended up renting a taller lift for the last day, which saved my back but cost a fortune.

That "real way" idea... it feels like part of this bigger push for old-school everything, even when the new way is clearly safer and easier.

Trial by fire" is right. I used to think checking gear was overkill, but a bad night like that will change your mind fast.