The only way to reduce complexity in a long running project is: - diligence to propoerly research the domain and provide defined solution(s) - leadership with

The only way to reduce complexity in a long running project is: - diligence to propoerly research the domain and provide defined solution(s) - leadership with courage to make the right choice that may have risk - comittment from stakeholders to fund the scope of the initiative - the team's grit to see projects through to the end (and not leave things half-refactored) If any of the above breaks down, you get the problem of half-baked solutions that only end up making things worse by adding additional complexity.