For all the effort it took; what would you have done differently if you were faced with the same problem again?
Perhaps get better prepared? Correct drivers in hand, a plan and a checksheet? Have someone with experience peruse your plan (get feedback)? Whilst a lot of people may not consider these things as a requirement or even necessary, perhaps overkill; consider how often you build platforms from scratch and the time and effort to complete a stable rebuild. And in the process you'll learn more, without the stress and fustration.
Might be worthwhile next time. Good to hear you're back up and running though.