I feel that being practical in the engineering is one thing but an overemphasis on practicality could also be dangerous in that it could build up technical debt

I feel that being practical in the engineering is one thing but an overemphasis on practicality could also be dangerous in that it could build up technical debt down the road to the point of no (easy) return. Therefore a balance has to be struck. Though the top comment's interpretation about the difference between the incentives of consultants and regular workers, and how workers should be rewarded more for good work, is very interesting and definitely rings true to me. The importance of proper incentives/reward mechanism is overlooked in many companies, which is a shame.