Sadly, I too have had similar happen to me. My excuse is that these events were many years ago!
The bolt securing the mech to the hanger was loose and I didn't even think that was a "thing", so whilst out riding, I kept trying to adjust the mech. You can imagine how that went! :(
My 8-year old...
When someone who knows what they are doing can't get it right then there is a high chance that it will be a bent mech hanger.
Some other random tips that I have learned.
Many years ago, before I was really into bikes, my wife won a bike in a raffle and I just could not get the shifting right...
One side will usually be different to the other. I'm looking for a completely different ping that indicates a loose one. I don't ping test very often, usually when I suspect there might be a problem.
I have just had hearing aids fitted and went through the three-month adjustment process. What stood out to me in the above post is this:
"In branded speak its revolutionary hearing refinement technology that calibrates audio across all devices to your full-spectrum hearing profile."
My...
As I suspected, the zip tie trick had no effect, as the pressure relief valves are supposed to negate the need for that. So, I had another go at the deflation, wheel off, yank up and down technique.
No squelching noise this time (did it last time), but when the fork was fully compressed, I...
Needing to use a tube is so rare that I'd rather carry round the Tubolito ones than the standard rubber tubes. I have never had to use the Tubolito spares, but I know that as soon as I leave them behind, I'll need them!
They are expensive though! I still have no idea if they will actually work...
I go for basic Shimano resin pads. (I know you have Sram brakes, but they must have an equivalent). They grip better than the metallic ones and are quieter. But on sandy trails (me), the metal pads last longer. But I'd rather have silent grip.