I finally messed up a herringbone tile job and it sparked a tools vs. skill debate in my head.

Honestly, I was laying down some vinyl plank in a herringbone pattern for a small entryway last week. Tbh, I skipped using a laser level because I was in a rush and thought my eyes were good enough. Ngl, by the time I reached the far wall, the lines were totally crooked and the pattern looked like a mess. I had to rip up three rows, which wasted time and a few planks. Now I'm hearing two sides: one crew says you always need precise tools like lasers and chalk lines for any complex layout, or you're asking for trouble. But other installers argue that real skill comes from feeling it out and making adjustments on the fly, no gadgets needed. Personally, I'm leaning toward using tools now, but I see the point about not getting lazy. What's your view on this for pattern work?