I don't have a design wall, but I do have a huge kitchen counter, so I just lay the blocks out to see if I like the arrangement. I agree the seam ripper is just part of sewing. In fact, Mr. Clover gets really hot and bothered at times.
Ok, it's a private joke, but my favorite seam ripper is a Clover and sometimes it seems I use it more than the sewing machine!
When I first started sewing a couple of years ago I would hate to use the seam ripper, now I realize it is just par for the course. I also had a really hard time with it, eyes not so great. Hubby told me if I slide the seam ripper through it will cut the thread. I was just plucking them out, lol!
Sorry you had to go through all that!