That 2018 Solar Silver is a tough one... it's got a really fine aluminum flake that needs a perfect mix. A cheap system's impeller just can't break up the clumps right, even if the motor runs. I've seen it come out looking blotchy on the test card. You might have dodged a worse problem with the motor seizing, honestly.

Ever notice how the best stuff in life comes from a bit of a mess? Like a garden that grows wild before you find the flowers, or a box of old photos that tells a story once you spread them out. It feels like we're always told to clean things up right away, but some knots need to be pulled at slowly to see what they're really holding.

Ever read that the way you walk can wear down soles faster? I heard someone say they rotate two pairs to let the foam fully bounce back between hikes, which seems to help. Maybe that extra recovery time is the real secret sauce.