What a crazy ride this has been! If you have any insights to my question, feel free to comment or email me!
Additionally, I have a few little tips I (usually) abide by:
1. No caffeine before wire-bonding, dicing, or anything of the sort. Your focus and dexterity must be at its tip-top shape!
2. On the other side, if you are tired/exhausted/sleepy, it is not worth it to “push through.” There are always other things to do in the lab!
3. No tool is “too old” and “too unreliable.” With enough patience and elbow grease, you can make any wire-bonder make solid bonds!