this sounds... really slow. for large changes for sure i'm investing time into planning. but such a rigid system can't possible be as good as a flexible approach with variable amounts of planning based on complexity

this doesn't add up. the 20k is in API costs. people talk about CC losing money because it's way more efficient than the API. I.e. the same work with efficient use of CC might have cost ~$5k.

but regardless, hiring is difficult and high-end talent is limited. If the costs were anywhere close to equivalent, the agents are a no-brainer

depends, "out the nose" is relative based on what else you could be doing and what else is out there

and no job i've had considered 9-5 40 hours after a 1 hour lunch break

you shouldn't try to innovate on everything, have to draw the line on buy/build somewhere