I think it's a character and pride issue. You know you can solve such problems (sometimes even enjoy them) but the conditions you're solving them under aren't

I think it's a character and pride issue. You know you can solve such problems (sometimes even enjoy them) but the conditions you're solving them under aren't at all remotely reasonable. Giving up admits defeat and what makes you a skilled engineer, part of your identity/character, is that you rarely, if ever, give up on a problem and love a challenge. I think we should view this as a different challenge all together instead of the one presented. Let's understand the presented challenge is silly and look at the problem as a need to change the presented challenge to something all together different utilizing our skills.