I generally don't follow recipes and rules although I do read them - but always experiment during cooking. Coffee is one of those over the last 40+ years.

After many iterations (filter, mocha pot, simple espresso), I have arrived at a French press for my morning coffee at home - I grind coffee reasonable fine and onto the pot while getting water ready in a electric heater. I add just under 3 tablespoons of water and then slow stir for a good 2 to 3 mins. Then add remaining water. After a couple of mins, it is a really smooth coffee in a mug and ready for the scrum call.

I do the same for tea as well - tea leaves, black as I prefer with milk, stir, wait and a relaxing cup at night.

I found the stirring to be the most useful - mentally a few mins of inconsequential living, and then with a good cup