Hi,
I can not offer any advice as far as the details of the work you wish to accomplish.
But I do know that there is a difference between the perfect job that we often wish to accomplish, and what is good enough.
Granted, ripping the whole works out and replacing it with the perfection of the craftsman would be the ideal.
But I would guess you can do it good enough that 99% of those who visit your home will never see the difference, without ripping everything out and starting over.
I think you need to find a balance between perfection and good enough that suits you personally.
Keeping in mind all the good advice given above in this thread...
Bill
Too much to do...Not enough time...life is too short!