Thats consistent with my experience - had pretty much a zero failure rate over the years. I hadn't thought of the 'drop another sugar drop in' - will do that (if there is a) next time :-)
My experience with Brigalow mirrors yours - although one neighbour did say ''it was quite drinkable' after he had kept it for six months! I threw most of mine away. I wont be using that kit again!
Second batch - using a Morgans kit plus some Buderim preserved ginger added to the 'mash' was...
Agree that’s a great all encompassing reference book - for new brewers though it should come with a warning that it covers a very wide field from just starting to more complex processes etc
So tell your mate not to get himself confused but to take the bits he needs as he learns / expands his...