Hey, y'all - Arkansas newbie here

[Electronic M]

Most folks that have done a bit of work on vintage TVs (my self included) can tell you what area(s) to look for a problem in by seeing a picture or lack there of on the screen, and listening to the sound.

Analog ain't all or nothing, it usually gives you something to work with. This is a double edged sword because, despite the troubleshooting advantages, you need to know when to stop and when to press on. If you settle too soon you realize it can be better after it is back together and then are constantly annoyed by the temptation to go back in and get it right. But if you don't recognize the limits of a design and interpret a mediocre design(or insurmountable bug) as a fixable issue then you can drive your self mad if you won't stop your self from trying to obtain a nearly impossible improvement.