I also view glue code as going up with the square (n^2) of the number of connections (n) grows between two conceptually connected but implementation-disconnecte

I also view glue code as going up with the square (n^2) of the number of connections (n) grows between two conceptually connected but implementation-disconnected systems. But that is hardly the worst of it. The two system model generalizes to much worse complexity (n^m) relative to the number of connections (n) that involve tight linkage of a multiple number of systems (m >= 2). In practice, we all avoid m>2 wherever we can, and simply slog along less and less efficiently with m=2 as we try to add new value (or maintain value in the presence of necessary changes). So the general law is mostly apparent in the broad absence of conceptually simple m>2 solutions, as apposed to their existence as quagmires. Simple thought experiment to illustrate m>2 solutions: “Captain! If we just reprogram the nanobot solar system explorer cannon to spread the bots on a tight bezier trajectory matching our enemies detected firing pattern, adjust their transmission frequencies to pass through Romulan dark hull steel and resonate with their traditional diptholamite crystal bathroom fixtures, we can apply a combination frequency comb filter and inverse fractal hash to completely uncloak their vessels in real time!” “But Chief Engineer, there is but one problem!! While conceptually simple, your elegant solution will take one hundred years to implement! None of those systems were designed together!” Kaboom. Hissss… Silence I call the problem of rapidly integrating foreign systems into conceptually simple novel solutions “The Star Trek Rapid Integration Problem.” Apparently this problem has been solved by the Federation of Planets in our future.