Dont get stopped would be the answer but yes i agree prevention is better than cure but it really is not such a big problem as people are making out . A few dollars can sort most things out .
i overstayed many times and once for over 6 years and went back within 2 months and no problems .Never ever have i had any issues and i have lived there for over 22 years before .But i agree you must be carefull and dont get stopped or it pay time .