Removing LOC as a result of better conceptualization/design and better factoring is completely different than reducing legibility by, say, mashing lines togethe

Removing LOC as a result of better conceptualization/design and better factoring is completely different than reducing legibility by, say, mashing lines together. In general, other things being equal, my late drafts are usually less verbose than early drafts, and also reflect a deeper understanding of the problem. So, I think better design is the goal, and fewer LOC is a natural side effect. I personally find that essential for evolving a large project. Some managers are ok with ever-increasing tech debt, which I associate with increasing job dissatisfaction.