They are just trying to make you feel better...

slapping is too kind a response for those folks!

And every time I'm in my basement that I completely redid mostly by myself, every single shortcut and mistake, I see them. Every time.

This sounds like Zach Larson

ruh roh

Seriously. You're the one who has to see it every day. If you're the only one who notices, you're still the most important one.

Yes, you will. And it will drive you insane.

I will notice your shoddy electrical work.

Hmmmmm .. I would have attributed that quote to you while discussing the Nevada project .. Now you get it.

So frequently it really is true, tho. And, without mistakes we'd not have perfection.

Perfection accounts for a lot, but not being thwarted by imperfection can mean a world of difference. :-) I think that's the point.

Damned straight!