Hello Mike.
Quite a Primitive approach, actually. I use my old 19-Set with two working sets of headgear, in IC Mode. If nothing happens the first time, I take the element out, whack the back of it on the table top a couple of times and try again. If it still does not work, I go on to the next one. I have not run across too many dead ones. Even rather scruffy ones can produce good results and its an item where looks are not too critical because they end up hidden when working. Pretty ones that work do look better in the Spares Box, though.
I do like your approach and must try it out. A lot less dramatic than mine, and with just the right touch of Alexander Graham Bell about it.
David