I've done maybe 30 meetups over the years and only used the police station lot twice, both times for phones over $300. It feels a little silly sitting there with your stuff like you're waiting to get booked, but the guy who tried to change the location on you is exactly why it works, since scammers never want cameras or cops around. Public spots like QuikTrip are fine for cheap stuff, but for anything over a few hundred bucks the exchange zone is worth the awkwardness.

I tried this with a batch of chuck roast back in March after a buddy who worked at a BBQ joint told me searing just makes the drippings bitter if you cook them down too far. The first time I skipped it I stood there staring at the pot like I forgot my keys. What sold me was how much less fat I had to skim off the top the next day, maybe half of what I used to deal with. The meat still came out falling apart after three hours in a 300 degree oven. Only thing I'd say is you still want a hard sear if you're using the braise liquid for a gravy you're serving on the side, otherwise it tastes a bit flat.