[makestuff]

I have been part of a few migration projects like this. There is another issue apart from tests not existing. Business/Product still want new high priority features so developers keep adding new logic to the old system because they cannot be supported by the new system yet.

[mkoubaa]

The secret sauce is being able to operate below your maximum effectiveness while still seeming impressive enough. That is, if you want to play the long game and get a lot done over a 5 year horizon.