[stomachmonkey]

It sounds like you are dealing with possibly non technical decision makers or tight ass type A engineer types.

You are correct in your position that a device of that nature is better utilized when not crippled.

Figure out the $ argument.

Tell them you can save them 100% of the dollars that they have not yet expended.

When they ask how recommend they kill the initiative all together since the result of not doing it and doing it the way they want will have the exact same end result.