Hi Blu, I am in your situation regarding soldering, I have not mastered this task, I intend this new year to do so and to apply it when required. Having said this, my layout is 8 years old, oo gauge, DCC, 102 points,(manual), 40ft. x 10ft. and still growing. I have a Hornby Select unit, soon to be replaced. Most of my locos are DCC and some DC, most of my points have Hornby power clips and I have not yet experienced a problem, granted I keep the track clean,I use graphite carpenter's pencil on all points. This is time consuming considering there is 600ft of track, My only power source is a hornby power clip. Luckily, I have not as yet no problems, fingers crossed. I do agree that the best practice is proper solder connections. My advice to you is to learn how to solder and follow your dreams. I am in the process of following my dreams, I just have to learn how to solder. Happy days.