But can't you get the same precision from power tools... with enough skill?

An hour of chiseling sounds like a strong argument for reading labels.

My grandpa always said to measure the tack strip gap with a tape measure, not by eye. Rushing that step is how you get tension problems and those middle of the room buckles. Taking that extra minute saves a huge headache later.

Honestly, seeing "mess ups" hits home. I once tried to upgrade my own PC's RAM and got the sticks in the wrong slots. Computer wouldn't boot and I spent like two hours thinking I'd broken everything. Tbh, sometimes the DIY confidence comes a bit before the skill.

Special lights just bounce off the mud.