So what is to be learned here? Well, make the core of your application VERY robust (with good design principles) and have the 'peripheral' modules designed as a

So what is to be learned here? Well, make the core of your application VERY robust (with good design principles) and have the 'peripheral' modules designed as as 'balls of mud'. That way you have a good foundation on top which with a front end that is weak which will leave you sweating just enough for management to think you're working hard, all the while the core functionality is never undermined ... !