If we assume that the previous constructions weren't perfect, and it wasn't pure luck (or lack thereof) that shut them down, then our 20/20 hindsight should be

If we assume that the previous constructions weren't perfect, and it wasn't pure luck (or lack thereof) that shut them down, then our 20/20 hindsight should be capable of distilling (some of) those imperfections, environmental constraints and perhaps even a root cause for failure. Assuming this, it would be smart then, to note those imperfections and constraints, and make a point of not mimicking them when embarking on a new attempt. Instead of, say, blindly flailing about, rehashing the idea indefinitely until it accidentally works. There might have some chance to the procedure, but its difficult to argue that we can't affect those probabilities, by thinking real damn hard on it, and maybe even working hard too. But working hard without thinking... I'm not so sure about.