Laser Driver v Simple Resistor ?

This is sort of off topic, but helps illustrate a point...

Back when I worked for TI in their Motor Controlls Div., I was sustaining engineer for a motor protector product of theirs.  They sold it for big bucks to go on automotive assembly lines where down time was incredibly expensive.  The protector had a transformer, a circuit board, a relay, a transistor, and a few other parts, all in a nice black plastic case.  The circuit was already very simple, but someone before me had figured out you could build it without using a 10 cent rectifier diode and just let the transistor take the reverse voltage from the transformer.  They were considered a hero, because for every 100,000 they sold, the company saved $10,000!  Engineering had some clear plastic cases made up so they could take them to a trade show and show their customers what fine design work they had done.  Marketing took one look and said, You can't show them that!  It looks like there's nothing in the box and they won't want to pay so much money for it!

Thanks for the +rep and back at you.