Sure, and shit is productive in a biological sense. Doesn't mean I want to work with it.
People heap scorn on auto mechanics (for example) that pad bills, but many people whose work doesn't get their hands dirty seem to think they are subject to a different moral code.
The $2k prototype/hack has a way of becoming a business-critical thing when you're not watching.
Let's not try to turn this into some "workers unite!" nonsense. I don't think how dirty someone's hands get have anything to do with what we're talking about.
Using your extreme example, the the $2k option is wrapping half a roll of duct tape around a leak. The $50k option is buying warrantied parts directly from the factory (not OEM).
What both you and the parent ignore is that there's usually a perfectly valid $20k option (OEM) that is a fair middle ground.
You haven't seen some of the things I have. There are some extremely dishonest people in this industry that would literally be in prison if they pulled financially comparable stunts in an industry that isn't so opaque.