[tarpherder]

I share your concern that this will result in a lot of sloppy solution to lots of little problems which in turn results in one big mess of sloppy-but-it-works solutions which can be a big problem (but doesn't have to be). However, even when working out a good solution I think it's important not to get stuck. Make sure you are making some sort of progress; it's okay that it takes time but it is not okay if someone is just moving in circles instead of inching closer to the solution. Basically if something takes "too long" to get working, try a different approach or come back to it at a later time to try again. I quite like the "Don't get stuck" motto if we look at it that way.