This is a good point, but if there are few (if any) publishable results coming out of a costly apparatus (and none are particularly notable), isn't that an indi

This is a good point, but if there are few (if any) publishable results coming out of a costly apparatus (and none are particularly notable), isn't that an indication that resources should be refocused to more productive projects? Resources are always limited. If you think this costly and relatively unproductive apparatus should continue to receive funding, is there any circumstance which would cause you to discontinue it in favor of something else (which is not a direct replacement)?