Oh man, that's wild! I did the same thing with my favorite fishing rod once. Had it rigged up with a heavier line and a big reel for years, then found out the original specs said it was a light-action trout rod. Something about small changes really adds up over time!

Read an article last month about a butcher in Texas who switched to whole animal breakdown and doubled his profit margin. The idea of using every part instead of chasing the perfect loin cut makes a lot of sense for reducing waste and keeping prices fair. Sometimes the simple approach really is the best way to go.

Didn't I read somewhere that toggle bolts can actually damage the wall if you overtighten them?

Ngl I had the exact same issue with a can of deck stain that had been sitting in my garage for like three years. Honestly I tried the putty knife trick and it worked way better than I expected, but what really sealed the deal was flipping the can over and tapping the bottom on the concrete a few times first to break the seal. Tbh I thought it was one of those old wives tales until I actually did it and heard that satisfying pop sound. That hammer trick you mentioned saved me from buying a new can opener tool.

You mentioned your hips ended up tilted forward with the memory foam pads - was that the main reason you ditched the wedge idea entirely? I'm wondering if you ever tried a firmer wedge that's more like a solid foam block rather than the squishy memory foam stuff. Seems like there's a big difference between a cushion that lets you sink in versus one that actually supports your angle.