> Light bulbs aren't such a clear example. Incandescent filaments are much more efficient at higher temperature but burn out quicker
That's a common misperception. Early filaments could last for decades. It took a lot of work to design a filament that burned out after a certain amount of time:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoebus_cartel
"The cartel was a convenient way to lower costs and worked to standardise the life expectancy of light bulbs at 1000 hours, while at the same time raising prices without fear of competition. Members' bulbs were regularly tested and fines were levied for bulbs that lasted more than 1000 hours."