My dad was rather experienced.. He could look at cars, electrical, plumbing, and just knew what the heck was going on. He was rather a perfectionist. Something as small as a bulk head would have made him face palm at me.
Of course, he didn't get like that over night either. I miss him though. When ever I get a problem I think "what would dad do?" But, that involves sitting down cracking open a cold one. Yuk..
Again you're right. Trial and error. We mess up and learn from our mistakes. Even if it takes a few rounds.