Hello!
Yeah, it's true - sometimes you can start going crazy, like when you try to build a detail with not enough references. Guessing how to do it right -But sometimes that hurts.
As for cleaning up that oleo strut, or other parts - real AMS starts when you discover that it's sometimes easier and faster to build a detail from scratch rather than trying to clean it up. Then again - since modelling IS fun, some extra work only means more of fun, doesn' it?
But if you're agonizing over a decision like "close up the hull now or later" or "use this or that paint" I have a trick for you that helps. Take a 15 minute nap (set up an alarm clock, it helps!) and think about it again after waking up. I think you will be surprised with the results!
Hope it helps, have a nice day
Paweł