The choices people get wrong, decided
Every one of these ends with a verdict rather than “it depends”, including the two where the verdict is that you should not pay us.
Verify
Meta Verified vs the legacy blue badge
Buy Meta Verified for the features. Apply for the legacy badge for the meaning. Never pay anyone a markup on the first one.
Defend
Removal vs suppression
Removal first, always. Suppression only after removal has been ruled out on the facts.
Verify
Wikipedia page vs Knowledge Panel
Notable: Wikipedia first, the panel follows. Not notable: the panel directly, and stop asking about Wikipedia.
Amplify
Paid placement vs earned coverage
Paid placement for visibility. Earned coverage for notability. They do not substitute for each other.
Defend
De-indexing vs source removal
Source removal first. De-index when the source has said no, or while waiting for them to answer.
Defend
Do it yourself, or hire someone
One clear case: do it yourself, free. Volume, evidence work, or an escalation after a refusal: hire someone.