However if the third chip on your memory stick is properly broken, then the third bit out of every word of memory may get stuck high or low, and then the whole chip is absolutely worthless.

The most expensive memory failure I had was of this sort, and frustratingly came from accidentally unplugging the wrong computer.

After this I did buy some used memory from a recycling center that had the sorts of problems you described and was able to employ them by masking off the bad regions.