A very inspiring post there @chbartist. My opinion on your last paragraph - "The solution is always (sometimes) on the opposite side of the problem". in my opinion, although it is very important to think outside the box, it is as equally important to 'think within the box' first! before going outside
the box. The answer you are looking for might just be within the box staring at you.
Most problem to the south might have their answer probably around the south 'south west' or 'south east' , rather than to the north.
Opinion from @ibrixy