omg I literally had to check if I had written this. We are almost the same.

Main difference is that I have a working understanding about linux file structure and am comfortable with text files, but I have only on a couple of occasions even attempted anything with docker. it makes me tired to think about.

Other than that I so feel you on changing things, not knowing what actually fixed the problem. And then having to re-learn everything from scratch on another occasion. I also feel there is a limit to how much I want to learn. I have no aspirations to do this for a living or to become extremely proficient. I have spent the past couple of weekends struggling with drives and shares and permissions etc. It should be simple but it's hard and takes such a long time.

On your advice because it sounds like you are in a similar situation I will try it.