"No, it's less effort than that"

The only magic wand in software development is to simplify requirements. The requirements are always wrong: too broad, too vague, based on invalid assumptions

The real genius is to propose a simplified solution, by discarding some assumptions. This is the best and only way to shrink the schedule

This is why Professional Communications is so critical for software developers, and exactly why your manager absolutely does not want you to have such skills: you'll be able to explain why their requests are manipulative, unrealistic, and frankly pointy haired wishful nonsense.

Your workplace may be toxic. My manager celebrates simplification and cost reduction when it solves business problems.

Completely different topic. I'm not even referencing "my workplace", I'm talking our entire industry.