The market would accomplish the same thing rationing does, inducing austerity via high prices, but the morale cost wouldn't just be a a lost opportunity to make

The market would accomplish the same thing rationing does, inducing austerity via high prices, but the morale cost wouldn't just be a a lost opportunity to make people feel involved, it would also be resentment, possibly deprivation, and a real need for workers to renegotiate in response to different material costs. Better if you can avoid that in the middle of a war. (And perhaps the danger the US is in as it responds to war in Ukraine)