Instinct and data are two sides of the same coin—instinct is the raw spark, data is the fire it feeds. In the field, I see too many people lean too hard on one side. If you let instinct drive every tweak, you’ll get a system that feels right but has hidden faults. If you trust only numbers, you ignore the subtle cues your experience tells you. The best practice? Let the data set the boundaries, then let instinct fill in the gaps where the numbers can’t capture the feel of the machine or the subtle shift in pressure. That way, the hydraulic system isn’t just a calculation, it’s a responsive partner.