I fall in the abandon it camp. Code is read way more times than it is written. I’d rather read an algorithm that validates input than read a regex that validates input.

I’m a contractor at a rocket launch service provider. The final build of the ground control software is compiled and deployed to the launch pad with debug flags enabled because of a “fly like you test” mandate.

Millions of dollars and tons of time invested by brilliant people are riding on rockets that are launched using software with debug flags because of an “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” mentality and archaic test strategies.