drake, your whole post is about "if this then that" setup
Yes, i have changed from using improvise


Masters meld + careful till rainbow
Byregot's Blessing (+100% Quality 3 steps) +
Magnum Opus (+150% Quality 1 step, needs Prismatic Glow)
when rainbow
Then Heart and Soul (+125% Quality 1 step)
Then careful
Then
Comfort Zone (0 Durability loss 3 steps)
Only 2 standard and 1 careful,
then all careful to finish.

The entire synth at any lvl only ever needs
2 standard to get to 40 progress and the rest are careful

On a Very High synth I will change Then Heart and Soul (+125% Quality 1 step) for
A Brand where you get 20-100 quality and re-stabilize
Brand of Fire (+100 quality with instability and re-stabilizes synth)

But again, play how you feel the best for you.
I know my tactics work for me because I am able to make everything in the game. But,, that doesnt mean everyone has to use my tactics for HQing.
Just a guide