One of the most important best practices is to fail fast. Code the service in such a way that unrecoverable errors are discovered as early as possible and, if such an error is detected, have the service fail immediately.

an overhung door

They say that misfortune makes men acquainted with strange bedfellows. The old hereditary Whig Cabinet ministers must, no doubt, by this time have learned to feel themselves at home with strange neighbours at their elbows.

When you follow two separate chains of thought, Watson, you will find some point of intersection which should approximate to the truth.