Two possibilities: the first is that for prototypes (even flight capable prototypes) they're optimizing for cost/iteration time more than performance. Given the

Two possibilities: the first is that for prototypes (even flight capable prototypes) they're optimizing for cost/iteration time more than performance. Given their apparent plan (which is just to build lots of them sand not worry too much if they blow up), going with simpler methods seems reasonable. The other possibility is that they straight up are willing to eat the weight penalty, Starship is being put together with different constraints/assumptions than most other systems - like it's literally a stainless steel reusable rocket. Maybe their gaining something from that tradeoff that they prefer more. I'm leaning towards it mostly being a prototype.