Sounds very similar to the complexity increase described in The Mythical Man Month. The author describes how the complexity increases as a system expands in a

Sounds very similar to the complexity increase described in The Mythical Man Month. The author describes how the complexity increases as a system expands in a greater than linear, and expected, fashion. So, a simple script might cost one. Adding configuration costs 3. A framework for solving similar problems might cost 9, and a platform for frameworks probably costs an unexpected large amount, like 27. I've mostly seen this pop-up along with Xeno's paradox. A rewrite of a legacy system is undertaken and the planners completely discount all the blood, sweat, and tears that went into the original. Every problem is considered "solved" and using newer tech is seen as a silver bullet. The cost is severely underestimated and the effort is way beyond initial estimates.