Set limit on number of retries

## Problem

currently if the build fails or a config option is incorrect the library will simply keep trying to recompile things, this causes a bunch of compile failures to accrue on the back end statistics. In ~1hour of leaving a script running I racked up 5000 failed compiles, over 1/3 for the entire week.
## Solution

add max retry or fail gracefully to avoid skewing the statistics

No files, tests, or entry points are identified in the issue. Start by locating the compile retry loop and the code that records failed compiles; define and implement bounded retry behavior or graceful failure, then verify that persistent build or configuration failures stop retrying and no longer accumulate unchecked statistics.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.