I like to talk about trade-offs a lot, and opportunity cost is also a good way to look at it. But yeah, it’s not often I see that happen.

Even better, make that a function of time so your cost/benefit analysis looks further beyond your initial preference. Spending more to save more is a highly effective choice in the right circumstances, and equally so, a perceived rapid gain can cost a fortune a bit later on.

It’s never so easy as saying always do D, prefer Y, avoid Z. They’re prescriptive and reactionary.