Personally, I think that all three are viable, especially considering the amount of RNG involved in the game, and the variety of platforms this game can be played on.

1. With how other puzzle games are run, the hint system is less about solving the game faster, and more about regaining momentum after a low-match board.
2. Resets during certain scenarios like Poker stages are super important, especially when you don't have a viable win condition.
3. Hybrid technique would seems intended by the devs, so I'd call it valid.