diff --git a/network/test/network_cell_match_merge.tcl b/network/test/network_cell_match_merge.tcl
index e6c0b0ac..31ce0706 100644
--- a/network/test/network_cell_match_merge.tcl
+++ b/network/test/network_cell_match_merge.tcl
@@ -257,8 +257,8 @@ foreach nname $chain_nets {
     disconnect_pin $nname $iname/Z
   }
 }
-foreach iname $chain_insts {catch {delete_instance $iname}}
-foreach nname $chain_nets {catch {delete_net $nname}}
+foreach iname $chain_insts {delete_instance $iname}
+foreach nname $chain_nets {delete_net $nname}
 
 # Final timing check
 report_checks
diff --git a/network/test/network_merge_bus_hier.tcl b/network/test/network_merge_bus_hier.tcl
index 52227a2d..798b0c27 100644
--- a/network/test/network_merge_bus_hier.tcl
+++ b/network/test/network_merge_bus_hier.tcl
@@ -179,8 +179,8 @@ foreach nname $chain_nets {
     disconnect_pin $nname $iname/ZN
   }
 }
-foreach iname $chain_insts {catch {delete_instance $iname}}
-foreach nname $chain_nets {catch {delete_net $nname}}
+foreach iname $chain_insts {delete_instance $iname}
+foreach nname $chain_nets {delete_net $nname}
 
 ############################################################
 # Final timing check
diff --git a/network/test/network_properties.tcl b/network/test/network_properties.tcl
index 8df65d30..f1e7cef5 100644
--- a/network/test/network_properties.tcl
+++ b/network/test/network_properties.tcl
@@ -61,13 +61,8 @@ set all_nets [get_nets *]
 puts "total nets: [llength $all_nets]"
 
 foreach net_name {r1q r2q u1z u2z in1 in2 out clk1 clk2 clk3} {
-  catch {
-    set net [get_nets $net_name]
-    puts "net $net_name: [get_full_name $net]"
-  } msg
-  if {$msg ne ""} {
-    puts "  (net $net_name: $msg)"
-  }
+  set net [get_nets $net_name]
+  puts "net $net_name: [get_full_name $net]"
 }
 
 #---------------------------------------------------------------
diff --git a/parasitics/test/parasitics_wireload.ok b/parasitics/test/parasitics_wireload.ok
index 99a53150..f1247b30 100644
--- a/parasitics/test/parasitics_wireload.ok
+++ b/parasitics/test/parasitics_wireload.ok
@@ -39,8 +39,8 @@ Path Type: max
 
 
 --- pi model very small ---
-set_pi_model u1/Y tiny: invalid command name "set_pi_model"
-set_elmore u1/Y->u2/A tiny: invalid command name "set_elmore"
+set_pi_model u1/Y tiny: done
+set_elmore u1/Y->u2/A tiny: done
 Startpoint: r2 (rising edge-triggered flip-flop clocked by clk)
 Endpoint: r3 (rising edge-triggered flip-flop clocked by clk)
 Path Group: clk
@@ -71,12 +71,12 @@ Path Type: max
 
 
 --- pi model medium ---
-set_pi_model u2/Y medium: invalid command name "set_pi_model"
-set_elmore u2/Y->r3/D: invalid command name "set_elmore"
-set_pi_model r1/Q large: invalid command name "set_pi_model"
-set_elmore r1/Q->u1/A: invalid command name "set_elmore"
-set_pi_model r2/Q: invalid command name "set_pi_model"
-set_elmore r2/Q->u2/B: invalid command name "set_elmore"
+set_pi_model u2/Y medium: done
+set_elmore u2/Y->r3/D: done
+set_pi_model r1/Q large: done
+set_elmore r1/Q->u1/A: done
+set_pi_model r2/Q: done
+set_elmore r2/Q->u2/B: done
 Startpoint: r2 (rising edge-triggered flip-flop clocked by clk)
 Endpoint: r3 (rising edge-triggered flip-flop clocked by clk)
 Path Group: clk
@@ -253,23 +253,23 @@ Path Type: max
    0.00    0.00   clock clk (rise edge)
    0.00    0.00   clock network delay (propagated)
    0.00    0.00 ^ r2/CLK (DFFHQx4_ASAP7_75t_R)
-  48.40   48.40 ^ r2/Q (DFFHQx4_ASAP7_75t_R)
-  11.77   60.17 ^ u1/Y (BUFx2_ASAP7_75t_R)
-  14.88   75.04 ^ u2/Y (AND2x2_ASAP7_75t_R)
-   0.00   75.04 ^ r3/D (DFFHQx4_ASAP7_75t_R)
-          75.04   data arrival time
+  47.84   47.84 ^ r2/Q (DFFHQx4_ASAP7_75t_R)
+  10.64   58.48 ^ u1/Y (BUFx2_ASAP7_75t_R)
+  13.12   71.60 ^ u2/Y (AND2x2_ASAP7_75t_R)
+   0.01   71.61 ^ r3/D (DFFHQx4_ASAP7_75t_R)
+          71.61   data arrival time
 
  500.00  500.00   clock clk (rise edge)
    0.00  500.00   clock network delay (propagated)
    0.00  500.00   clock reconvergence pessimism
          500.00 ^ r3/CLK (DFFHQx4_ASAP7_75t_R)
-  -5.78  494.22   library setup time
-         494.22   data required time
+  -5.56  494.44   library setup time
+         494.44   data required time
 ---------------------------------------------------------
-         494.22   data required time
-         -75.04   data arrival time
+         494.44   data required time
+         -71.61   data arrival time
 ---------------------------------------------------------
-         419.17   slack (MET)
+         422.83   slack (MET)
 
 
 --- dmp_ceff_two_pole with pi models ---
@@ -496,8 +496,8 @@ Slew = 4.92
 
 lumped dcalc u1: done
 --- override pi model ---
-re-set u1/Y: invalid command name "set_pi_model"
-re-set u2/Y: invalid command name "set_pi_model"
+re-set u1/Y: done
+re-set u2/Y: done
 Startpoint: r2 (rising edge-triggered flip-flop clocked by clk)
 Endpoint: r3 (rising edge-triggered flip-flop clocked by clk)
 Path Group: clk
@@ -585,8 +585,8 @@ Unannotated Arcs
  internal net       u2/Y -> r3/D 
 annotated -report_unannotated: done
 --- SPEF override ---
-Startpoint: r2 (rising edge-triggered flip-flop clocked by clk)
-Endpoint: r3 (rising edge-triggered flip-flop clocked by clk)
+Startpoint: r3 (rising edge-triggered flip-flop clocked by clk)
+Endpoint: out (output port clocked by clk)
 Path Group: clk
 Path Type: max
 
@@ -594,24 +594,21 @@ Path Type: max
 ---------------------------------------------------------
    0.00    0.00   clock clk (rise edge)
   12.11   12.11   clock network delay (propagated)
-   0.00   12.11 ^ r2/CLK (DFFHQx4_ASAP7_75t_R)
-  63.51   75.62 ^ r2/Q (DFFHQx4_ASAP7_75t_R)
-  49.30  124.92 ^ u1/Y (BUFx2_ASAP7_75t_R)
-  61.03  185.95 ^ u2/Y (AND2x2_ASAP7_75t_R)
-  15.77  201.72 ^ r3/D (DFFHQx4_ASAP7_75t_R)
-         201.72   data arrival time
+   0.00   12.11 ^ r3/CLK (DFFHQx4_ASAP7_75t_R)
+  63.46   75.57 ^ r3/Q (DFFHQx4_ASAP7_75t_R)
+  13.15   88.72 ^ out (out)
+          88.72   data arrival time
 
  500.00  500.00   clock clk (rise edge)
-  11.92  511.92   clock network delay (propagated)
-   0.00  511.92   clock reconvergence pessimism
-         511.92 ^ r3/CLK (DFFHQx4_ASAP7_75t_R)
-  -8.46  503.46   library setup time
-         503.46   data required time
+   0.00  500.00   clock network delay (ideal)
+   0.00  500.00   clock reconvergence pessimism
+  -1.00  499.00   output external delay
+         499.00   data required time
 ---------------------------------------------------------
-         503.46   data required time
-        -201.72   data arrival time
+         499.00   data required time
+         -88.72   data arrival time
 ---------------------------------------------------------
-         301.74   slack (MET)
+         410.28   slack (MET)
 
 
 Found 0 unannotated drivers.
@@ -619,8 +616,8 @@ Found 0 partially unannotated drivers.
 --- report_net ---
 Net r1q
  Pin capacitance: 0.3994-0.5226
- Wire capacitance: 13.4000-13.4000
- Total capacitance: 13.7994-13.9226
+ Wire capacitance: 0.0000
+ Total capacitance: 0.3994-0.5226
  Number of drivers: 1
  Number of loads: 1
  Number of pins: 2
@@ -634,8 +631,8 @@ Load pins
 report_net r1q: done
 Net r2q
  Pin capacitance: 0.4414-0.5770
- Wire capacitance: 13.4000-13.4000
- Total capacitance: 13.8414-13.9770
+ Wire capacitance: 0.0000
+ Total capacitance: 0.4414-0.5770
  Number of drivers: 1
  Number of loads: 1
  Number of pins: 2
@@ -649,8 +646,8 @@ Load pins
 report_net r2q: done
 Net u1z
  Pin capacitance: 0.3171-0.5657
- Wire capacitance: 13.4000-13.4000
- Total capacitance: 13.7171-13.9657
+ Wire capacitance: 0.0000
+ Total capacitance: 0.3171-0.5657
  Number of drivers: 1
  Number of loads: 1
  Number of pins: 2
@@ -664,8 +661,8 @@ Load pins
 report_net u1z: done
 Net u2z
  Pin capacitance: 0.5479-0.6212
- Wire capacitance: 13.4000-13.4000
- Total capacitance: 13.9479-14.0212
+ Wire capacitance: 0.0000
+ Total capacitance: 0.5479-0.6212
  Number of drivers: 1
  Number of loads: 1
  Number of pins: 2
diff --git a/parasitics/test/parasitics_wireload.tcl b/parasitics/test/parasitics_wireload.tcl
index 6af9539a..9d21f408 100644
--- a/parasitics/test/parasitics_wireload.tcl
+++ b/parasitics/test/parasitics_wireload.tcl
@@ -28,11 +28,11 @@ report_checks
 # Set pi model with very small values
 #---------------------------------------------------------------
 puts "--- pi model very small ---"
-catch {set_pi_model u1/Y 0.00001 0.01 0.000005} msg
-puts "set_pi_model u1/Y tiny: $msg"
+sta::set_pi_model u1/Y 0.00001 0.01 0.000005
+puts "set_pi_model u1/Y tiny: done"
 
-catch {set_elmore u1/Y u2/A 0.00001} msg
-puts "set_elmore u1/Y->u2/A tiny: $msg"
+sta::set_elmore u1/Y u2/A 0.00001
+puts "set_elmore u1/Y->u2/A tiny: done"
 
 report_checks
 
@@ -40,23 +40,23 @@ report_checks
 # Set pi model with medium values on multiple nets
 #---------------------------------------------------------------
 puts "--- pi model medium ---"
-catch {set_pi_model u2/Y 0.01 20.0 0.005} msg
-puts "set_pi_model u2/Y medium: $msg"
+sta::set_pi_model u2/Y 0.01 20.0 0.005
+puts "set_pi_model u2/Y medium: done"
 
-catch {set_elmore u2/Y r3/D 0.01} msg
-puts "set_elmore u2/Y->r3/D: $msg"
+sta::set_elmore u2/Y r3/D 0.01
+puts "set_elmore u2/Y->r3/D: done"
 
-catch {set_pi_model r1/Q 0.05 50.0 0.02} msg
-puts "set_pi_model r1/Q large: $msg"
+sta::set_pi_model r1/Q 0.05 50.0 0.02
+puts "set_pi_model r1/Q large: done"
 
-catch {set_elmore r1/Q u1/A 0.05} msg
-puts "set_elmore r1/Q->u1/A: $msg"
+sta::set_elmore r1/Q u1/A 0.05
+puts "set_elmore r1/Q->u1/A: done"
 
-catch {set_pi_model r2/Q 0.03 30.0 0.01} msg
-puts "set_pi_model r2/Q: $msg"
+sta::set_pi_model r2/Q 0.03 30.0 0.01
+puts "set_pi_model r2/Q: done"
 
-catch {set_elmore r2/Q u2/B 0.02} msg
-puts "set_elmore r2/Q->u2/B: $msg"
+sta::set_elmore r2/Q u2/B 0.02
+puts "set_elmore r2/Q->u2/B: done"
 
 report_checks
 
@@ -99,11 +99,11 @@ puts "lumped dcalc u1: done"
 #---------------------------------------------------------------
 puts "--- override pi model ---"
 set_delay_calculator dmp_ceff_elmore
-catch {set_pi_model u1/Y 0.02 25.0 0.01} msg
-puts "re-set u1/Y: $msg"
+sta::set_pi_model u1/Y 0.02 25.0 0.01
+puts "re-set u1/Y: done"
 
-catch {set_pi_model u2/Y 0.005 10.0 0.002} msg
-puts "re-set u2/Y: $msg"
+sta::set_pi_model u2/Y 0.005 10.0 0.002
+puts "re-set u2/Y: done"
 
 report_checks
 
diff --git a/sdc/test/sdc_leaf_pin_filter_removal.tcl b/sdc/test/sdc_leaf_pin_filter_removal.tcl
index 095ab8a4..58dc2bac 100644
--- a/sdc/test/sdc_leaf_pin_filter_removal.tcl
+++ b/sdc/test/sdc_leaf_pin_filter_removal.tcl
@@ -71,11 +71,9 @@ foreach i $insts {
 puts "--- pin properties ---"
 foreach p [get_pins buf1/*] {
   set name [get_full_name $p]
-  catch {
-    set dir [get_property $p direction]
-    set is_clk [get_property $p is_clock]
-    puts "  pin $name: direction=$dir is_clock=$is_clk"
-  }
+  set dir [get_property $p direction]
+  set is_clk [get_property $p is_clock]
+  puts "  pin $name: direction=$dir is_clock=$is_clk"
 }
 
 ############################################################
@@ -145,10 +143,8 @@ puts "output ports: [llength $out_ports]"
 # findLeafLoadPins / findLeafDriverPins via reporting
 ############################################################
 puts "--- report_net_load ---"
-catch {
-  foreach n [get_nets *] {
-    report_net [get_full_name $n]
-  }
+foreach n [get_nets *] {
+  report_net [get_full_name $n]
 }
 
 ############################################################
diff --git a/spice/test/spice_gate_advanced.tcl b/spice/test/spice_gate_advanced.tcl
index 6dd530ec..410ac3e0 100644
--- a/spice/test/spice_gate_advanced.tcl
+++ b/spice/test/spice_gate_advanced.tcl
@@ -131,19 +131,13 @@ if { $rc4 == 0 } {
 puts "--- write_path_spice max slack ---"
 set spice_dir2 [make_result_file spice_adv_path]
 file mkdir $spice_dir2
-set rc5 [catch {
-  write_path_spice \
-    -path_args {-sort_by_slack -path_delay max} \
-    -spice_directory $spice_dir2 \
-    -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
-    -model_file $model_file \
-    -power VDD \
-    -ground VSS
-} msg5]
-if { $rc5 == 0 } {
-} else {
-  puts "INFO: write_path_spice max slack: $msg5"
-}
+write_path_spice \
+  -path_args {-sort_by_slack -path_delay max} \
+  -spice_directory $spice_dir2 \
+  -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
+  -model_file $model_file \
+  -power VDD \
+  -ground VSS
 
 #---------------------------------------------------------------
 # write_path_spice min path
@@ -151,19 +145,13 @@ if { $rc5 == 0 } {
 puts "--- write_path_spice min path ---"
 set spice_dir3 [make_result_file spice_adv_min]
 file mkdir $spice_dir3
-set rc6 [catch {
-  write_path_spice \
-    -path_args {-path_delay min} \
-    -spice_directory $spice_dir3 \
-    -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
-    -model_file $model_file \
-    -power VDD \
-    -ground VSS
-} msg6]
-if { $rc6 == 0 } {
-} else {
-  puts "INFO: write_path_spice min: $msg6"
-}
+write_path_spice \
+  -path_args {-path_delay min} \
+  -spice_directory $spice_dir3 \
+  -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
+  -model_file $model_file \
+  -power VDD \
+  -ground VSS
 
 #---------------------------------------------------------------
 # write_path_spice with hspice
@@ -171,20 +159,14 @@ if { $rc6 == 0 } {
 puts "--- write_path_spice hspice ---"
 set spice_dir4 [make_result_file spice_adv_hspice]
 file mkdir $spice_dir4
-set rc7 [catch {
-  write_path_spice \
-    -path_args {-sort_by_slack} \
-    -spice_directory $spice_dir4 \
-    -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
-    -model_file $model_file \
-    -power VDD \
-    -ground VSS \
-    -simulator hspice
-} msg7]
-if { $rc7 == 0 } {
-} else {
-  puts "INFO: write_path_spice hspice: $msg7"
-}
+write_path_spice \
+  -path_args {-sort_by_slack} \
+  -spice_directory $spice_dir4 \
+  -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
+  -model_file $model_file \
+  -power VDD \
+  -ground VSS \
+  -simulator hspice
 
 #---------------------------------------------------------------
 # write_path_spice with xyce
@@ -192,17 +174,11 @@ if { $rc7 == 0 } {
 puts "--- write_path_spice xyce ---"
 set spice_dir5 [make_result_file spice_adv_xyce]
 file mkdir $spice_dir5
-set rc8 [catch {
-  write_path_spice \
-    -path_args {-sort_by_slack} \
-    -spice_directory $spice_dir5 \
-    -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
-    -model_file $model_file \
-    -power VDD \
-    -ground VSS \
-    -simulator xyce
-} msg8]
-if { $rc8 == 0 } {
-} else {
-  puts "INFO: write_path_spice xyce: $msg8"
-}
+write_path_spice \
+  -path_args {-sort_by_slack} \
+  -spice_directory $spice_dir5 \
+  -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
+  -model_file $model_file \
+  -power VDD \
+  -ground VSS \
+  -simulator xyce
diff --git a/spice/test/spice_gcd_path.tcl b/spice/test/spice_gcd_path.tcl
index cbd0bb98..af781a3d 100644
--- a/spice/test/spice_gcd_path.tcl
+++ b/spice/test/spice_gcd_path.tcl
@@ -70,19 +70,13 @@ close $subckt_fh
 puts "--- write_path_spice max ngspice ---"
 set dir1 [make_result_file spice_gcd_max]
 file mkdir $dir1
-set rc [catch {
-  write_path_spice \
-    -path_args {-sort_by_slack} \
-    -spice_directory $dir1 \
-    -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
-    -model_file $model_file \
-    -power VPWR \
-    -ground VGND
-} msg]
-if { $rc == 0 } {
-} else {
-  puts "INFO: write_path_spice max: $msg"
-}
+write_path_spice \
+  -path_args {-sort_by_slack} \
+  -spice_directory $dir1 \
+  -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
+  -model_file $model_file \
+  -power VPWR \
+  -ground VGND
 
 #---------------------------------------------------------------
 # write_path_spice with min path
@@ -90,19 +84,13 @@ if { $rc == 0 } {
 puts "--- write_path_spice min ---"
 set dir2 [make_result_file spice_gcd_min]
 file mkdir $dir2
-set rc [catch {
-  write_path_spice \
-    -path_args {-path_delay min} \
-    -spice_directory $dir2 \
-    -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
-    -model_file $model_file \
-    -power VPWR \
-    -ground VGND
-} msg]
-if { $rc == 0 } {
-} else {
-  puts "INFO: write_path_spice min: $msg"
-}
+write_path_spice \
+  -path_args {-path_delay min} \
+  -spice_directory $dir2 \
+  -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
+  -model_file $model_file \
+  -power VPWR \
+  -ground VGND
 
 #---------------------------------------------------------------
 # write_path_spice with hspice
@@ -111,20 +99,14 @@ if { $rc == 0 } {
 puts "--- write_path_spice hspice ---"
 set dir3 [make_result_file spice_gcd_hspice]
 file mkdir $dir3
-set rc [catch {
-  write_path_spice \
-    -path_args {-sort_by_slack} \
-    -spice_directory $dir3 \
-    -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
-    -model_file $model_file \
-    -power VPWR \
-    -ground VGND \
-    -simulator hspice
-} msg]
-if { $rc == 0 } {
-} else {
-  puts "INFO: write_path_spice hspice: $msg"
-}
+write_path_spice \
+  -path_args {-sort_by_slack} \
+  -spice_directory $dir3 \
+  -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
+  -model_file $model_file \
+  -power VPWR \
+  -ground VGND \
+  -simulator hspice
 
 #---------------------------------------------------------------
 # write_path_spice with xyce
@@ -133,20 +115,14 @@ if { $rc == 0 } {
 puts "--- write_path_spice xyce ---"
 set dir4 [make_result_file spice_gcd_xyce]
 file mkdir $dir4
-set rc [catch {
-  write_path_spice \
-    -path_args {-sort_by_slack} \
-    -spice_directory $dir4 \
-    -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
-    -model_file $model_file \
-    -power VPWR \
-    -ground VGND \
-    -simulator xyce
-} msg]
-if { $rc == 0 } {
-} else {
-  puts "INFO: write_path_spice xyce: $msg"
-}
+write_path_spice \
+  -path_args {-sort_by_slack} \
+  -spice_directory $dir4 \
+  -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
+  -model_file $model_file \
+  -power VPWR \
+  -ground VGND \
+  -simulator xyce
 
 #---------------------------------------------------------------
 # write_path_spice with specific from/to
diff --git a/spice/test/spice_multipath.tcl b/spice/test/spice_multipath.tcl
index ec3d9f98..c15b52d6 100644
--- a/spice/test/spice_multipath.tcl
+++ b/spice/test/spice_multipath.tcl
@@ -104,19 +104,13 @@ close $subckt_fh
 puts "--- write_path_spice max ---"
 set spice_dir1 [make_result_file spice_mp_max]
 file mkdir $spice_dir1
-set rc1 [catch {
-  write_path_spice \
-    -path_args {-sort_by_slack} \
-    -spice_directory $spice_dir1 \
-    -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
-    -model_file $model_file \
-    -power VDD \
-    -ground VSS
-} msg1]
-if { $rc1 == 0 } {
-} else {
-  puts "INFO: write_path_spice max: $msg1"
-}
+write_path_spice \
+  -path_args {-sort_by_slack} \
+  -spice_directory $spice_dir1 \
+  -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
+  -model_file $model_file \
+  -power VDD \
+  -ground VSS
 
 #---------------------------------------------------------------
 # write_path_spice with min path
@@ -124,19 +118,13 @@ if { $rc1 == 0 } {
 puts "--- write_path_spice min ---"
 set spice_dir2 [make_result_file spice_mp_min]
 file mkdir $spice_dir2
-set rc2 [catch {
-  write_path_spice \
-    -path_args {-path_delay min} \
-    -spice_directory $spice_dir2 \
-    -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
-    -model_file $model_file \
-    -power VDD \
-    -ground VSS
-} msg2]
-if { $rc2 == 0 } {
-} else {
-  puts "INFO: write_path_spice min: $msg2"
-}
+write_path_spice \
+  -path_args {-path_delay min} \
+  -spice_directory $spice_dir2 \
+  -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
+  -model_file $model_file \
+  -power VDD \
+  -ground VSS
 
 #---------------------------------------------------------------
 # write_path_spice with specific from/to
@@ -164,20 +152,14 @@ if { $rc3 == 0 } {
 puts "--- write_path_spice hspice ---"
 set spice_dir4 [make_result_file spice_mp_hspice]
 file mkdir $spice_dir4
-set rc4 [catch {
-  write_path_spice \
-    -path_args {-sort_by_slack} \
-    -spice_directory $spice_dir4 \
-    -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
-    -model_file $model_file \
-    -power VDD \
-    -ground VSS \
-    -simulator hspice
-} msg4]
-if { $rc4 == 0 } {
-} else {
-  puts "INFO: write_path_spice hspice: $msg4"
-}
+write_path_spice \
+  -path_args {-sort_by_slack} \
+  -spice_directory $spice_dir4 \
+  -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
+  -model_file $model_file \
+  -power VDD \
+  -ground VSS \
+  -simulator hspice
 
 #---------------------------------------------------------------
 # write_path_spice with xyce
@@ -185,20 +167,14 @@ if { $rc4 == 0 } {
 puts "--- write_path_spice xyce ---"
 set spice_dir5 [make_result_file spice_mp_xyce]
 file mkdir $spice_dir5
-set rc5 [catch {
-  write_path_spice \
-    -path_args {-sort_by_slack} \
-    -spice_directory $spice_dir5 \
-    -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
-    -model_file $model_file \
-    -power VDD \
-    -ground VSS \
-    -simulator xyce
-} msg5]
-if { $rc5 == 0 } {
-} else {
-  puts "INFO: write_path_spice xyce: $msg5"
-}
+write_path_spice \
+  -path_args {-sort_by_slack} \
+  -spice_directory $spice_dir5 \
+  -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
+  -model_file $model_file \
+  -power VDD \
+  -ground VSS \
+  -simulator xyce
 
 #---------------------------------------------------------------
 # write_gate_spice with multiple cells and transitions
diff --git a/spice/test/spice_path_min.tcl b/spice/test/spice_path_min.tcl
index 53e2b5e4..bc991fc6 100644
--- a/spice/test/spice_path_min.tcl
+++ b/spice/test/spice_path_min.tcl
@@ -77,19 +77,13 @@ close $subckt_fh
 puts "--- write_path_spice min path ---"
 set spice_dir_min [make_result_file spice_min_out]
 file mkdir $spice_dir_min
-set rc1 [catch {
-  write_path_spice \
-    -path_args {-path_delay min} \
-    -spice_directory $spice_dir_min \
-    -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
-    -model_file $model_file \
-    -power VDD \
-    -ground VSS
-} msg1]
-if { $rc1 == 0 } {
-} else {
-  puts "INFO: write_path_spice min: $msg1"
-}
+write_path_spice \
+  -path_args {-path_delay min} \
+  -spice_directory $spice_dir_min \
+  -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
+  -model_file $model_file \
+  -power VDD \
+  -ground VSS
 
 #---------------------------------------------------------------
 # write_path_spice - max path
@@ -97,19 +91,13 @@ if { $rc1 == 0 } {
 puts "--- write_path_spice max path ---"
 set spice_dir_max [make_result_file spice_max_out]
 file mkdir $spice_dir_max
-set rc2 [catch {
-  write_path_spice \
-    -path_args {-path_delay max -sort_by_slack} \
-    -spice_directory $spice_dir_max \
-    -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
-    -model_file $model_file \
-    -power VDD \
-    -ground VSS
-} msg2]
-if { $rc2 == 0 } {
-} else {
-  puts "INFO: write_path_spice max: $msg2"
-}
+write_path_spice \
+  -path_args {-path_delay max -sort_by_slack} \
+  -spice_directory $spice_dir_max \
+  -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
+  -model_file $model_file \
+  -power VDD \
+  -ground VSS
 
 #---------------------------------------------------------------
 # write_path_spice with hspice simulator
@@ -117,20 +105,14 @@ if { $rc2 == 0 } {
 puts "--- write_path_spice hspice ---"
 set spice_dir_hs [make_result_file spice_hs_out]
 file mkdir $spice_dir_hs
-set rc3 [catch {
-  write_path_spice \
-    -path_args {-sort_by_slack} \
-    -spice_directory $spice_dir_hs \
-    -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
-    -model_file $model_file \
-    -power VDD \
-    -ground VSS \
-    -simulator hspice
-} msg3]
-if { $rc3 == 0 } {
-} else {
-  puts "INFO: write_path_spice hspice: $msg3"
-}
+write_path_spice \
+  -path_args {-sort_by_slack} \
+  -spice_directory $spice_dir_hs \
+  -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
+  -model_file $model_file \
+  -power VDD \
+  -ground VSS \
+  -simulator hspice
 
 #---------------------------------------------------------------
 # write_path_spice with xyce simulator
@@ -138,20 +120,14 @@ if { $rc3 == 0 } {
 puts "--- write_path_spice xyce ---"
 set spice_dir_xy [make_result_file spice_xy_out]
 file mkdir $spice_dir_xy
-set rc4 [catch {
-  write_path_spice \
-    -path_args {-sort_by_slack} \
-    -spice_directory $spice_dir_xy \
-    -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
-    -model_file $model_file \
-    -power VDD \
-    -ground VSS \
-    -simulator xyce
-} msg4]
-if { $rc4 == 0 } {
-} else {
-  puts "INFO: write_path_spice xyce: $msg4"
-}
+write_path_spice \
+  -path_args {-sort_by_slack} \
+  -spice_directory $spice_dir_xy \
+  -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
+  -model_file $model_file \
+  -power VDD \
+  -ground VSS \
+  -simulator xyce
 
 #---------------------------------------------------------------
 # write_path_spice with different -from/-to constraints
diff --git a/spice/test/spice_subckt_file.tcl b/spice/test/spice_subckt_file.tcl
index 333c37ac..b150c5f8 100644
--- a/spice/test/spice_subckt_file.tcl
+++ b/spice/test/spice_subckt_file.tcl
@@ -106,51 +106,33 @@ if { $rc == 0 } {
 puts "--- write_path_spice to out1 ---"
 set spice_dir2 [file join $spice_dir path_out1]
 file mkdir $spice_dir2
-set rc [catch {
-  write_path_spice \
-    -path_args {-to out1 -path_delay max} \
-    -spice_directory $spice_dir2 \
-    -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
-    -model_file $model_file \
-    -power VDD \
-    -ground VSS
-} msg]
-if { $rc == 0 } {
-} else {
-  puts "INFO: write_path_spice to out1: $msg"
-}
+write_path_spice \
+  -path_args {-to out1 -path_delay max} \
+  -spice_directory $spice_dir2 \
+  -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
+  -model_file $model_file \
+  -power VDD \
+  -ground VSS
 
 puts "--- write_path_spice to out2 ---"
 set spice_dir3 [file join $spice_dir path_out2]
 file mkdir $spice_dir3
-set rc [catch {
-  write_path_spice \
-    -path_args {-to out2 -path_delay max} \
-    -spice_directory $spice_dir3 \
-    -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
-    -model_file $model_file \
-    -power VDD \
-    -ground VSS
-} msg]
-if { $rc == 0 } {
-} else {
-  puts "INFO: write_path_spice to out2: $msg"
-}
+write_path_spice \
+  -path_args {-to out2 -path_delay max} \
+  -spice_directory $spice_dir3 \
+  -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
+  -model_file $model_file \
+  -power VDD \
+  -ground VSS
 
 puts "--- write_path_spice with ngspice ---"
 set spice_dir4 [file join $spice_dir path_ng]
 file mkdir $spice_dir4
-set rc [catch {
-  write_path_spice \
-    -path_args {-sort_by_slack} \
-    -spice_directory $spice_dir4 \
-    -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
-    -model_file $model_file \
-    -power VDD \
-    -ground VSS \
-    -simulator ngspice
-} msg]
-if { $rc == 0 } {
-} else {
-  puts "INFO: write_path_spice ngspice: $msg"
-}
+write_path_spice \
+  -path_args {-sort_by_slack} \
+  -spice_directory $spice_dir4 \
+  -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
+  -model_file $model_file \
+  -power VDD \
+  -ground VSS \
+  -simulator ngspice
diff --git a/spice/test/spice_write.tcl b/spice/test/spice_write.tcl
index 8dbe51b4..fe82163c 100644
--- a/spice/test/spice_write.tcl
+++ b/spice/test/spice_write.tcl
@@ -38,20 +38,13 @@ puts $subckt_fh "M2 Q D VSS VSS nmos W=1u L=100n"
 puts $subckt_fh ".ends"
 close $subckt_fh
 
-# Attempt write_path_spice - exercises the Tcl command parsing and
-# C++ WritePathSpice code paths. Catch errors since subckt definitions
-# may not perfectly match, but the code path is exercised for coverage.
-set rc [catch {
-  write_path_spice \
-    -path_args {-sort_by_slack} \
-    -spice_directory $spice_dir \
-    -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
-    -model_file $model_file \
-    -power VDD \
-    -ground VSS
-} msg]
-if { $rc == 0 } {
-  diff_files $test_name.spok [file join $spice_dir path_1.sp]
-} else {
-  puts "FAIL: write_path_spice returned error: $msg"
-}
+# write_path_spice - exercises the Tcl command parsing and
+# C++ WritePathSpice code paths.
+write_path_spice \
+  -path_args {-sort_by_slack} \
+  -spice_directory $spice_dir \
+  -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
+  -model_file $model_file \
+  -power VDD \
+  -ground VSS
+diff_files $test_name.spok [file join $spice_dir path_1.sp]
diff --git a/spice/test/spice_write_options.tcl b/spice/test/spice_write_options.tcl
index 5b385a18..7759f524 100644
--- a/spice/test/spice_write_options.tcl
+++ b/spice/test/spice_write_options.tcl
@@ -43,51 +43,33 @@ puts $subckt_fh ".ends"
 close $subckt_fh
 
 puts "--- write_path_spice default ---"
-set rc1 [catch {
-  write_path_spice \
-    -path_args {-sort_by_slack} \
-    -spice_directory $spice_dir \
-    -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
-    -model_file $model_file \
-    -power VDD \
-    -ground VSS
-} msg1]
-if { $rc1 == 0 } {
-} else {
-  puts "INFO: write_path_spice default: $msg1"
-}
+write_path_spice \
+  -path_args {-sort_by_slack} \
+  -spice_directory $spice_dir \
+  -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
+  -model_file $model_file \
+  -power VDD \
+  -ground VSS
 
 puts "--- write_path_spice with -simulator hspice ---"
-set rc2 [catch {
-  write_path_spice \
-    -path_args {-sort_by_slack} \
-    -spice_directory $spice_dir \
-    -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
-    -model_file $model_file \
-    -power VDD \
-    -ground VSS \
-    -simulator hspice
-} msg2]
-if { $rc2 == 0 } {
-} else {
-  puts "INFO: write_path_spice hspice: $msg2"
-}
+write_path_spice \
+  -path_args {-sort_by_slack} \
+  -spice_directory $spice_dir \
+  -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
+  -model_file $model_file \
+  -power VDD \
+  -ground VSS \
+  -simulator hspice
 
 puts "--- write_path_spice with -simulator xyce ---"
-set rc3 [catch {
-  write_path_spice \
-    -path_args {-sort_by_slack} \
-    -spice_directory $spice_dir \
-    -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
-    -model_file $model_file \
-    -power VDD \
-    -ground VSS \
-    -simulator xyce
-} msg3]
-if { $rc3 == 0 } {
-} else {
-  puts "INFO: write_path_spice xyce: $msg3"
-}
+write_path_spice \
+  -path_args {-sort_by_slack} \
+  -spice_directory $spice_dir \
+  -lib_subckt_file $subckt_file \
+  -model_file $model_file \
+  -power VDD \
+  -ground VSS \
+  -simulator xyce
 
 puts "--- write_gate_spice ---"
 set gate_spice_file [file join $spice_dir gate_test.sp]
diff --git a/util/test/util_report_debug.tcl b/util/test/util_report_debug.tcl
index de73fc3e..9f209b32 100644
--- a/util/test/util_report_debug.tcl
+++ b/util/test/util_report_debug.tcl
@@ -54,11 +54,7 @@ if { [file exists $log_file] } {
 # gzstream: Read/write gzipped liberty
 #---------------------------------------------------------------
 puts "--- gzipped liberty read ---"
-set rc [catch { read_liberty ../../test/nangate45/nangate45_typ.lib.gz } msg]
-if { $rc == 0 } {
-} else {
-  puts "INFO: gzipped liberty read: $msg"
-}
+read_liberty ../../test/nangate45/nangate45_typ.lib.gz
 
 #---------------------------------------------------------------
 # Report warn path (triggered by warnings in design analysis)