That's a clever hack! I've used a clean roller tray for the same reason, it keeps everything contained and at a comfortable height. Really anything that saves your back is worth trying.

Feel your pain on the heat gun lesson. I've had good luck with a tiny drop of penetrating oil on the threads, letting it sit overnight. Sometimes a careful twist with small pliers does the trick without the melt risk.

Maybe he just doesn't want you to break it worse. Some people are fine paying for peace of mind. Not every DIY project is a life lesson.

Yeah, that's the hidden cost they never tell you about. The loan payment is just the start, then you're stuck fixing stuff forever. Makes you wonder how many people are one broken appliance away from real money trouble, right?

Honestly it's just a news article, not a life changing event. People find old stuff all the time, it's cool for a minute but then you move on. Spending hours on old maps seems like a lot for one random find. It's neat history but maybe not that deep.