I currently work for a UK based particle physics facility and a lot of what you say is still true, it is an awesome place to work. The tension between "get it

I currently work for a UK based particle physics facility and a lot of what you say is still true, it is an awesome place to work. The tension between "get it to work" and "do it properly" is still there, particularly when there is pressure for results for conference papers. We try to do things properly though, simply due to the more onerous safety regulations now. It is interesting coming across various historical bodges that lurk in dark corners, sort of little engineering time capsules.