There's something deeply satisfying about fixing your own stuff. Not because it saves money—replacement parts usually cost 80% of buying new anyway. Not because it's faster—YouTube troubleshooting rabbit holes eat entire Saturdays. It's the opt-out. The escape hatch from the 'just upgrade' treadmill. Your washing machine throws an error code? Manufacturer wants you buying the 2026 model with AI load sensing and a subscription to detergent delivery. You want the $8 sensor that actually failed. Same energy as running your own node, growing your own food, learning to cook. Opting out of the everything-as-a-service future one repair manual at a time. They want customers. I'd rather be capable.