I've reached a point where I don't feel I'm improving and I'm not discovering any more tricks.
Going online to find other people's solutions just feels wrong. Like buying a "how to complete $X" from the olden days. I don't learn when someone else provides the way to a solution; I like progressive learning, and I dislike the frustration when I stop progressing.
I keep wondering about the meta-problem of how to change my mental gears...
There's an itch to create my own version of the game which would force me to learn the underlying mathematics. Most games are designed to level your skills or knowledge up slowly (sometimes a social component involved). Building yourself forces one to understand the constraints better.
OR do I just train up my meta-skills e.g. playing similar but different games?
I do feel stupid!
Obviously I've also reached my limit on the metagame here, given that I'm asking...
When you reach an impass with a solo intellectual challenge, what's the next step?