Can someone with more knowledge of electronics and computer explain how:

The visual noise caused by a damaged index cable seems to be dependent solely on how the headset initializes, not on the position of the cable? Simply replugging the cable can reduce an 80% snowstorm to nothing.

The headset will completely fail to initialize unless the PC is restarted, but will then work fine until SteamVR is closed and reopened at which point it can't even display an image again?

How can these actions completely negate the effects of damaged hardware and if it isn't damaged hardware, then why does replacing the cable fix both? It doesn't make any sense.