Agreed. Although in this case it would seem like it was increase on the astronaut's workload, having to load each program from tape. Also the article mentioned that they were using outdated software development methods and tools, whatever they were it didn't mention.
Btw, found my answer after some googling, they were upgraded in the early 90's then again in early 2000's http://www.aviationtoday.com/1999/11/01/the-space-shuttle-mo...
quote "In addition to 11 MDUs in the shuttle, MEDS has four integrated display processors (IDPs) that contain 386DX computers and a 300-megabyte hard disc."
MDU - multiple display unit.