I think we need to focus on even more basic point while deciding between refactor vs. rewrite. That is whether the basic DB schemas/Data Structures are well des

I think we need to focus on even more basic point while deciding between refactor vs. rewrite. That is whether the basic DB schemas/Data Structures are well designed/suited to current business understanding or not. Because rest of the structure stands on top of them. I do not see how you can refactor stuff if the majority of the DB schema/Data Structures are built incorrectly and/or not suited to current understanding/layout of the business. You will have to rewrite. The only case where refactor can possibly work is that basic DB schema/Data Structures is 90% good and changes are only required at the business logic level.