Can You Actually Downgrade to Standard Edition? Ask the Database First
Since SQL Server 2016 SP1, sys.dm_db_persisted_sku_features over-reports edition features. How to read it before downgrading to Standard.
Catching Slow File I/O with a Filtered Extended Events Session
file_read_completed and file_write_completed fire on every I/O. Filter on duration to capture only the slow ones, then shred to name the file.
Mining the system_health Session You Already Have
The system_health session runs by default and writes .xel files. Read the event file, shred the XML, and mine the diagnostics on disk.
A Lightweight Error Audit with Extended Events
Capture error_reported in Extended Events, filter the backup and informational noise at the session, and triage real errors by severity.
Blocked Process Reports: From Capture to Root Cause
Enable the blocked process threshold, capture blocked_process_report in Extended Events, and shred the XML into a blocker and blocked view.
From Deadlock Graph to Repeat Offender: A Production Extended Events Pipeline
Capture xml_deadlock_report in an Extended Events session, persist it past the ring buffer, and rank the repeat-offender procedures in T-SQL.