Am I the only one who that divides up personalities into sub factors and measures each trait? It seems like most generalise to a particular type, or some hybird of the two, with the emphasis on finding a "type".
(ie: I measure I/E, T/F, N/S, J/P by observing actions and adding ticks next to each side, then combine them into a sub-trait scores, which when strong enough, indicates an overall trait (ie: I+/E- score))
It seems like you are trying to mentally run the tests and I thought even the pros. say that the tests usually get one letter wrong-- Hence the charge by critics of being just a form of cold-reading. I don't think any test has passed a double-blind application for consistency (If that's changed. Please, let me know).
I find that using multiple models and cross-checking is working better than most things I've tried (not that I've had much luck in general).
Looking for clear preferences seem like they get only one letter for me, usually E/I, and that's if I see people in many contexts. Even then, I find that some I would type as Es (especially EFJs) actually get very quiet in 1:1 situations (with me), then I get confused, are they just acting as extroverts, or have I shut down the stimulus that they need to keep their energy high.
The way I nailed down my own type was Temperament+Interaction Style. Plus I was very sure I was an I, an somewhat sure I was a P.
I sometimes find the motive/structure distinction useful for distinguishing technical SPs and NFs from technical NTs and SJs, since they tend to have the ability to move to pretty much any level along the abstract to concrete scale. The N/S distinction is essentially useless in the circles I hang out in.
Similarly, in a corporate environment, it seems like the type of complaints I hear from people regarding the organization, "not enough freedom" vs. "not enough direction", is helpful in distinguishing NF/SJs from NT/SPs (though this has to be weighed against how much chaos or oppression is apparent).
Still looking into some peoples cubes can potentially give a clear P vs J impression (usually just shows a clear P). Then, if this is confirmed by their scheduled vs. probing styles, that is another clue.
Some one you wants a lot of direction, likes things scheduled, and tends to ignore motive in structuring people gives me a strong SJ vibe, thought she could be an NTJ also (but the wanting a lot of direction part, I think, makes it less likely).
Someone who wants the freedom to act in the moment to make an impact, is very probing, has a messy room/cube/car, and very motive focused I would guess as SP, though could be an NP or even INJ. But then I could look at interaction style and the T/F preference to get more evidence.
I think you get the idea. Sorry, I am being long winded again.