Sorry if you think I made the wrong presumption, but I've seen the "pencil myth" trotted out many times as a "definitive" example of precisely the dichotomy that you have spelled out. (A low gravity ballpoint pen is high capability that requires finesse and fine tolerances; a pencil is ugly but strong and typically exhibits longevity... and so forth.)
It is an interesting analogy this dichotomy you see in the design philosophies (both between the space programs and the mega-corporations), but perhaps my point, if I were attempting a point, is to beware of false dichotomies.
You can see the same in comparing the military aircraft design. Both schools are ingenious, but it is applied in different ways. There are some excellent comparisons connecting principles to outcomes on Quora.
It is an interesting analogy this dichotomy you see in the design philosophies (both between the space programs and the mega-corporations), but perhaps my point, if I were attempting a point, is to beware of false dichotomies.