I don't know a word or phrase for this, but I really enjoy any examples of "thinking outside the box" like this because it's something I struggle with in my professional career. Learning not only the right ways to solve problems, but figuring out the questions to ask that make solving the problems you have easier or even in some cases possible. In this case, it's hey, we don't need exact numbers if we can define a probabilistic range given defined parameters. Other problems are gonna have other questions. I guess my hope is that if I see enough examples I'll be able to eventually internalize the thought process and apply it correctly.