@Lapis I've not tried using the tape, but my bujo is a #messybujo and not at all artistic/pretty! Totally understand about not wanting it to be a chore--that takes away from the usefulness, for me.

Re: pens, I do find it helpful to stick with a handful of colors and then rotate by day. That lets me easily see if/when I edited something. Especially helpful on pages where I've got project notes--gives a nice visual on how ideas have changed.