I have a question about my Super User post: Is it possible to write a cell as an "Accumulator" of conditional values? (Google Sheets)

I need help understanding why my post was closed. I tried several times to reword/reframe the post, but because I don't understand why, or in what way the post is unfocused the post remained closed. The reason stated on the post is simply,

"This question needs to be more focused".

While this sounds very straightforward; to me, in this instance it is quite baffling.

The question I asked is simply of the form,

"Can you write an accumulator as a formula or not?"

Likewise, the example I used to clarify the problem is literally what I was trying to do. I kept the example as simple as I could while still conveying the problem with its context. Perhaps the problem is that it was clear and simple "in my mind". I even included that I had tried a monster IF() statement, but that wasn't really a viable solution for me.

I did read (and re-read) the articles: "How to ask a good question", as well as the suggestions on how to focus your question in, "What does it mean if a question is "closed"?" And I thought I was applying the directions in those articles correctly. When I go back and re-read my post, I still can't see what's "unfocused" about it. The problem with that, of course, is I'm afraid to make another post because I'm totally blind to what's wrong with it; and it's very discouraging to get your post slapped down and not even understand why.

With that said, any reply that can help me improve both my questions in the future, and help me figure out what I missed when crafting this one is greatly appreciated.

Thank you

Wolf

I have a question about my Super User post: Is it possible to write a cell as an "Accumulator" of conditional values? (Google Sheets)

I need help understanding why my post was closed. I tried several times to reword/reframe the post, but because I don't understand why, or in what way the post is unfocused the post remained closed. The reason stated on the post is simply,

"This question needs to be more focused".

While this sounds very straightforward; to me, in this instance it is quite baffling.

The question I asked is simply of the form,

"Can you write an accumulator as a formula or not?"

Likewise, the example I used to clarify the problem is literally what I was trying to do. I kept the example as simple as I could while still conveying the problem with its context. Perhaps the problem is that it was clear and simple "in my mind". I even included that I had tried a monster IF() statement, but that wasn't really a viable solution for me.

I did read (and re-read) the articles: "How to ask a good question", as well as the suggestions on how to focus your question in, "What does it mean if a question is "closed"?" And I thought I was applying the directions in those articles correctly. When I go back and re-read my post, I still can't see what's "unfocused" about it. The problem with that, of course, is I'm afraid to make another post because I'm totally blind to what's wrong with it; and it's very discouraging to get your post slapped down and not even understand why.

With that said, any reply that can help me improve both my questions in the future, and help me figure out what I missed when crafting this one is greatly appreciated.