Good call on checking the contract. Also, don't forget to loop in your legal team early to review those clauses.

Honestly, didn't you used to think that was just how people talked online?

My own notes are just a list of weird stains I found on carpets.

Changed my whole outlook on spending for quality gear" is exactly it. I read this thing once about the "boots theory" where buying cheap means you replace them constantly and spend more in the long run. Your story is basically that in real life.

Wait, you fought your uncle on pulling extra cable? That's wild to me. My first boss would have fired me on the spot for arguing about something that basic. I saw a guy once have to cut open a brand new theater room ceiling because he needed one more speaker wire. The extra spool was sitting in his van the whole time.