"Personally I have learned, that except for my DIY work, if I get an itch to mod a piece of gear, I am better of trading it in."
Personally, if I get an itch to mod a piece of gear, it had better be worth modding to begin with, or I’d trade it in. I’ve usually owned it for a few years already.
As you can see from my system, I’ll mod just about anything, but generally draw the line at 5 figure stuff. Most of the work I’ve had done for me for the following reasons: I didn’t have the time; have the schematics; the unit has double sided circuit boards; or I planned massive parts changes (Danger Will Robinson!). Always choose the parts to be used since it is possible my tastes may not be the same as a professional modder. I’ve done lots of mods and kit building myself. Thankfully, after 40 years or so of tinkering, my system is done.