Note that the second part of the argument was that the quantities needed are low. I'd go even further than the GP: even in the "old days" my understanding is t

Note that the second part of the argument was that the quantities needed are low. I'd go even further than the GP: even in the "old days" my understanding is that the number of precision parts needed was very low. Most circuitry is of the "pick a component value in this order of magnitude" variety, even on sensitive hardware. Only the handful of parts where it really matters need precision. But, whereas previously you might spec 5% for a few resistors and 10% for the bulk, now it's no longer worth the added line on your BOM.