Re: '"how far can I push this before it gets silly". A true engineer'
"Part of Today's problems is manglement don't know the difference......"
That's because manglement also have to listen to the bean counters or they'll be out of a job.
They find it's easier to say no than have the hard conversation that says we need more money so we can invest in R&D.
But that involves working out a ROI (Return on Investment) at which point most give up and carry on with business "as normal".