Do the simplest thing that could possibly work

I think this works in simple domains. After working in big tech for a while, I am still shocked by the required complexity. Even the simplest business problem may take a year to solve, and constantly break due to the astounding number of edge cases and scale.

Anyone proclaiming simplicity just hasnt worked at scale. Even rewrites that have a decade old code base to be inspired from, often fail due to the sheer amount of things to consider.

A classic, Chesterton's Fence:

"There exists in such a case a certain institution or law; let us say, for the sake of simplicity, a fence or gate erected across a road. The more modern type of reformer goes gaily up to it and says, “I don’t see the use of this; let us clear it away.” To which the more intelligent type of reformer will do well to answer: “If you don’t see the use of it, I certainly won’t let you clear it away. Go away and think. Then, when you can come back and tell me that you do see the use of it, I may allow you to destroy it.”"

> Even the simplest business problem may take a year to solve, and constantly break due to the astounding number of edge cases and scale.

You're doing it wrong. More likely than not.

> Anyone proclaiming simplicity just hasnt worked at scale. Even rewrites that have a decade old code base to be inspired from, often fail due to the sheer amount of things to consider.

Or, you're just used to excusing complexity because your environment rewards complexity and "big things".

Simple is not necessarily easy. Actually simple can be way harder to think of and push for, because people are so used to complexity.

Yes. Massive scale and operations may make things harder but seeking simplicity is still the right choice and "working in big tech" is not a particular hard or rare credential in HN. Try an actual argument instead of an appeal to self authority.