Great story with a great moral. What I get from it is that two minds are better than one. You started looking at the problem in one way, and couldn't change your appoach even after wasting hours. We've all done it in different ways. Altering your perception of the problem can offer new solutions. The easiest way to do that is to have someone else look at the problem.

I find working alone to be the most tiring, boring, and sometimes dangerous way to get something done. Splitting the work with another (hopefully qualified=) person allows you to check each-other's work, take turns at difficult tasks, use four hands, apply more torque, take turns resting while work continues, etc. -- but mostly it doubles the CPU power you can apply to a puzzle, mechanical or otherwise.

Plus, (speaking for myself), I learn better from people than from books. Shop manuals will tell you WHAT needs to be done, but usually they neglect to tell you HOW to do it. Only a person can teach you technique.

Anyway, sorry to ramble. Thanks for sharing your story.
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'92 245 5-speed, '92 944 GL auto