and perhaps it's not HIS money, so he probably doesn't care

there are two types of development
a) we are going to make just a few, so if spending on hardware saves development cost, go a head and spend
b) we are going to make a gadzillion widgets, do all you cn to save on hardware.

if the OP works for a) your point is moot
if the OP works for b) he will be fired if he doesn't care so, again your point is moot

I find it laughable (or sad) that so many are spending HOURS trying to save $1 in HW cost for a product of which only a few are going to be made.

Erik