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That’s a feature of engineering. Figuring out what performance and safety requirements are and then optimizing the resources required to meet those requirements is what engineering is for.

The influence of capitalism would be on the requirements. But assuming the requirements are well-considered trying to minimize fuel and engine usage to meet those requirements is a good thing.

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I think this is pretty subjective. You could also say that engineering should be used to increase the margin of safety (what is often labeled over-engineering).

If the engineering requirement is “do something that brings you close to the margin of safety in order to save resources”, is that not an influence of capitalism?

No, again the decision on where to draw the line is a political decision. It’s produced by humans making values decisions. There’s no absence of risk situations so there are always trade offs.

How to hit that line precisely and with confidence is where engineering takes over.

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