Does dropping from full pressure down to 1500 really make that big a difference on a firebox though? I've seen guys swear by both ways and honestly most of the scale I run into comes off fine either way as long as you keep the tip moving. The re-torque numbers being spot on for a whole year could just mean your gaskets and hardware are in good shape, not that the wand pressure changed anything. An extra hour every single job adds up fast, so I'd want to see it hold up on a few more shutdowns before I called it a rule.

Wait, did the hotel actually hold it for free though?

Figured the same thing about our break room coffee maker for months, blamed the machine every time my drink came out weak and gross. Turns out I was just dumping the grounds in without letting the water heat up all the way first, which is literally step one on the little card taped to the side. Now I actually read the sticker before I touch anything in there.