Those of us that came from props via things like Darts, nursed old tired engines as a matter of course . . . almost daily.
I found it amazing just how much one could come back on EGT with no noticeable reduction in observable performance. EPR gauges were favored by the inexperienced crews as they seemed to be giving an absolute statement of results. And of course, the feedback into the pilot's brains, was instant-ish.
Different world then though. (most of our energy was converted into noise.
