improve applicability of the apply tactic

[fblanqui]

In various cases, apply fails and one needs to instead use refine with various underscores. This PR tries to make apply works more often.

[NotBad4U]

Could you describe what this PR will change on the apply tactic?

[fblanqui]

In various cases, apply fails and you need to instead use refine with various underscores. I'm trying to make apply works more often.