Almost inedible is a strong way to put it... was it truly that bad or just a bit over seasoned? Two tablespoons on eight pounds doesn't sound crazy to me. Maybe the salt just pooled in spots during the rest. Could just trim the very outer layer next time instead of tossing the whole method. Dry brines are pretty forgiving usually.

Family dinners always find the weirdest stuff to argue about.

Stock both but lean into wet-aging for your regular supply. Keep a smaller dry-aged section for the fans who seek it out. That way you move product fast but still have that special draw.

Right? Saw a comic use my friend's bit on TV last month. It's honestly so common now.

Used to think the alien thing was fun, but learning about the water ritual stuff made it way more real for me.