Man. That's refreshing! Seems like every thread eventually just goes down one or more rabbit holes.
I have noticed a tendency in myself over the years to be a little OCD about some things. I'm not an OCD person, really. But sometimes I have found myself intentionally having to NOT do _____ in day to day life, just so a habit doesn't form.
I think people in general lean that way. Reloading seems like an excuse to be OCD in a lot of ways. In fact, it's practically DEMANDED in reloading manuals, forums, etc. Let me be clear and say that of course, attention to detail is 100% required in reloading. And that, of course, consistency is of highest importance. However, I think a lot of people (especially in early years of reloading) keep adding layer after layer into their reloading routine. This could be "since everybody else" does it, or could simply be fear of lost potential accuracy is they skip whatever step in the process. Who knows, maybe we just like to buy new tools for the bench! Whatever the reasoning though, I think far fewer people actually try to get hard data (through their groups) that proves their additional steps are actually benefitting them.
It's refreshing to see a thread about things getting LESS complicated. Sure could use more of that in my life!
Thanks for posting, Alex!