I think you made the right choice with screw into plastic and captive nuts. If you're not going to take it apart, I think that's plenty. I recognize people like their heat set inserts and they're great for panels that need to be removed from time to time but for me, I prefer to screw it and glue it for most things, and captive nuts for the rest.
In general it's super common to daydream all the time. Maintaining yourself in the mindful present is a skill you have to learn. Most people are generally not mindfully present in their lives. You may want to try something like zen or breathing meditation, anything to bring you back to the present when you start to drift.
Savory gelatin tho.... I'm so glad I was born too late to enjoy a 1970s midwestern potluck dinner party.