It is just stories like this that make me appreciate some improvements in a few things in recent years. A VCR with front panel jacks for dubbing etc...and a PC with a 2nd set of mic & USB jacks behind a sliding front panel, (along with slots for major camera cards).

There will always be enough horror stories, but with a teeny bit of care, you may be able to avoid the worse ones.

(An old boss of mine bought an early Edsel, and told stories about mechanics cursing because there was almost no easy way to get AT many engine parts.)