I hear you on the patching headaches, but I’ve actually had some luck with targeted repairs—at least for a few years. My folks’ old bungalow had a stubborn drip by the bathroom vent, and a careful flashing fix held up for three winters before we finally did a bigger overhaul. Sometimes you just need to buy a little time, especially if the budget’s tight. Not saying it’s always the answer, but it’s not always a waste either.
Targeted repairs can definitely stretch things out, especially if you’re methodical about it. I’ve seen well-done flashing patches last several seasons, just like you described. It’s not always ideal, but sometimes it’s the most practical move when full replacement isn’t on the table yet. The key is making sure the repair addresses the actual entry point—sometimes water travels in weird ways and what looks like the problem spot isn’t always the source. If you’re careful and keep an eye on it, those fixes can buy valuable time.