"I really don't get a sense that this "rapid iteration" approach is a good replacement for better engineering and more care." A huge rocket torn to pieces look

"I really don't get a sense that this "rapid iteration" approach is a good replacement for better engineering and more care." A huge rocket torn to pieces looks expensive, but given the way SpaceX builds them, may well be cheaper than personal costs of extra engineers over several months. Also, basically you want perfection. Perfection is unattainable, especially in a prototype of a brand new system. If Starship flew perfectly on its first or second or third launch, I would be nervous that something really big and random lurks in the background. Looking at Falcon 9, the iterative approach was a great success. As of now, Falcon 9s are crazy reliable.