These little devices are also running applications built with tools that have heavy runtime and library dependencies along with sandboxing, etc. etc. etc. We us

These little devices are also running applications built with tools that have heavy runtime and library dependencies along with sandboxing, etc. etc. etc. We used to write closer to the metal with the responsibility to not take out the whole thing. Now, we write features first, as "elegantly" as possible, THEN we optimize as required. Look at what 3D games are doing on little devices vs. how poorly long lists perform during scrolling. There's plenty of power there, but code will bloat to fill all resources. You said it. "...complexity is hidden"