Yes, the lightbulb tool is the best way for most people but sometimes difficult to use, especially on tiny boards. Using the ammeter is the easiest way. And nobody should be working on live devices without going through an Isolation Transformer.

Mr. Yong mentions using the A/C ammeter in his great book, "Troubleshooting and Repairing Switch Mode Power Supplies", on page 100; and in detail starting at page 195.

As for me personally, I can plug a device into my Isolation Transformer and find out if there is a short somewhere in just a few seconds, before opening the device up or anything.

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No. The value should be same or at least nearest. Voltages can slightly be higher, preferably, if not slightly less. It all depends where the capacitor is used. Power supply path or signal path.

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Regarding your doubt on valve tubes coming back, kindly visit this site: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/304626362289871343/sent/?sfo=1&sender=595108675669029140&invite_code=4ae6cc2c1a7b4a099004b7c60228e857

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That's making the trouble shoot more complicated, as we need a variac connected and feed voltages slowly. But Bulb is the best method, which is common and easy to do, as explained by Jestine Yong in his famous books on repair. I find it easier.

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No, you don't just give it full power! You slowly turn the voltage up while watching the ammeter. If the current tries to climb too fast or it rises to high at low voltage, you can pretty much bet that there is a short somewhere.

I explained how I do it in my, "Camera Battery Charger Repaired" articles.

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You seem to have some Sherlock Holmes instinct! Yes, indeed it was originally about some achievement or milestone reached in service. But unfortunately due to a stupid miscalculation from my side, the announcement has to find a day much later! Which means, you may have to remain in suspense for some more weeks, perhaps!(LOL)

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Ammeter will not shift the load to itself when current is overdrawn. Rather it does not serve as a protector. But bulb will! That's the difference. If we use an Ammeter without a series bulb, before even we can read the Ampere, damages would have taken place!

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