u/Proud_Trick6857

Planning a patio install, roughly 16 blocks x 21 blocks (each block ~15.5” x 7.5”), so about 270 sq ft total. Located in Albany, NY — so we get real winters with significant freeze-thaw cycles.
Deciding between:
1. Traditional 4-6” compacted gravel base + 1” sand bedding
2. Brock PaverBase plastic panels (seems popular now, claims to skip most of the gravel/excavation)
From what I’ve read, the panels save labor and excavation, but seem sensitive to how flat/compacted the ground underneath is, and some reviews mention settling issues over time. I’m specifically worried about frost heave given our winters — not sure if the panels handle freeze-thaw as well as a properly compacted gravel base.
For anyone in the Northeast / similar climate who’s used the panel system:
• How has it held up through a winter or two?
• Any frost heave or shifting issues?
• Did you still compact the soil thoroughly underneath, or skip that step?
• Would you do it again, or go back to traditional gravel?
Appreciate any real-world experience, especially from anyone dealing with NY/New England winters.

 I got a quote for a 20x20 ft garage floor refinishing job (about 400 sq ft) in Albany, NY. The floor needs grinding/prep, and the quote is $9,000. They said it would be a polyaspartic system, possibly epoxy base + polyaspartic top coat. Does this sound normal for a garage this size? What should I ask to verify whether the quote is justified? 

I work at a very small software company, and I’m responsible for most of the software development.

I personally prefer Cursor because it fits my development workflow very well. However, the owner of the company prefers Codex and would like us to use one common AI platform across the company for better collaboration, consistency, and shared practices.

To be fair, he is not a full-time developer, but he is very proactive and capable when it comes to using AI. His work is mostly data-related, and he also does some light development from time to time.

I understand the value of standardizing on one platform, especially in a small company. At the same time, since I’m doing most of the day-to-day software development, the developer experience and productivity impact are very important.

If I wanted to make a case for adopting Cursor as our common AI development platform, what would be the best way to approach that conversation?

What points would be most persuasive to a non-full-time developer owner who is AI-savvy, works mostly with data, and values collaboration and consistency?

Would you focus on productivity, codebase context, IDE integration, team workflow, governance, or something else?

I’d appreciate any practical advice from people who have had to make a similar case in a small team or company.