I generally replace housings as well. When I disconnect the old housing I cut off enough wire to show the color and I keep it as a reference for what wires go into what slot. I generally don't replace header pins unless, for some reason, they don't beep out during continuity tests. I always reflow solder at minimum and replace header pins only when necessary. Same with housings. If when connected to the board, and it doesn't beep out to the back of the solder joint, then I replace the crimp and the solder.
Good tips in the original post otherwise.
