> I've seen far too many places where db instances run with default settings out of the box, queries missing basic indexes, no one even cared to run an explain

> I've seen far too many places where db instances run with default settings out of the box, queries missing basic indexes, no one even cared to run an explain analyze. Indeed! One place I worked at, there was something like 10x (forget exactly) gains to be had simply by editing the MySQL config to match the workload. Seems like nobody bothers anymore. There is so much money to be saved by reducing excess operating costs.