Too much TIM (thermal interface material) is a common newbie mistake. When providing TIM advice, I remind users that direct metal-to-metal contact between the mating surfaces provides the best thermal transfer conditions. And the purpose of TIM is ONLY to displace any trapped (insulating) air in the microscopic pits and valleys of those mating surfaces. Any excess TIM is
in the way and counterproductive to the heat transfer process.
my soldering and wiring and component repairs came easier and results were greatly improved as were the same with trouble shooting skills
Soldering is a "skill" and like all skills (including things like driving a car) you MUST stay practiced at it to remain good.
I was fortunate while in the Air Force, they sent me to "Micro-miniature Soldering Techniques" school. 10 full days of formal hands-on training in a "clean" electronics lab learning how to repair multi-layered circuit boards populated with very heat sensitive discrete solid-state and integrated devices. The instructor was the pickiest I have ever seen. Each soldering joint had to be nothing short of perfect - and that only comes with speed and skill. If not perfect, you then had to do a perfect "desoldering", cleaning, then resoldering before moving on.
While I still have the knowledge, my "skills" have diminished as my soldering pencil stays cold most of time these days.
I just realized this is seeker's thread and we (thanks in much, due to me!) have driven it way off-topic. Sorry Seeker. Back to you.