[tie_]

Sounds like a theologist who wouldn't use a microscope, and instead think over/interpret harder their Holy-book-of-choice. You can get into interesting insights along the way, but I wouldn't call it practical or efficient.

Debuggers are the most amazing tools to explore and learn the code in your hands. They do have limitations, as pointed out, but presuming that your inner insight/gut feeling leads to more scalable and lasting results is ridiculous.