Use formulas instead of Power Query for tidy files, with a visible source path and clear parameters that teammates can review ...
Merge lists even with typos and inconsistent names. Tune the similarity threshold, use a transform table, and audit results ...
Excel's query tool reshapes messy imports into 1NF, so AVERAGEIFS replaces hacks and your summaries run faster.
I traded the static results of Flash Fill for dynamic formulas that update automatically.