I am not in position to explain everything, but i found the circuit analysis of electrosmash useful to understand the basics.
https://www.electrosmash.com/big-muff-pi-analysis
I also saw some vids of Brian Wampler on this topic.
A foot switch crapped out on me. I cut the breakout board/switch out. I think of saving the breakout board by desoldering it with my hot air gun. Does that work? At what temperature?
I saw some mods like these on a Joyo Ultimate Drive, which is a close copy.
Look here: https://www.tdpri.com/threads/can-i-mod-a-joyo-ultimate-drive-it-drives-me-crazy.1091708/
The third non DIY pedal i bought was the Cmatmods Brownie. The builder gave up his business, when a flood hit his house and destroyed his lab and all his parts‘n‘bits.
The Brownie is basically a BSIAB2 and he gave a pair of J201, 2N5457 and MPSA12 with the pedal to swap in the first stage. I...