Axiom #1
Note: progs is our internal programmer mailing list and we were discussing using __int64 vs a 32 bit long due to speed constraints, the conversation eventually threw up the following:
Algorithm for deciding whether it's worth doing the optimization:
Axiom 1
If the total time wasted by all computers ever running the slow version summed up, is less than the time taken to discuss it collectively on ‘progs’, go with the slow way. Else discuss more on progs until axiom 1 is true, then go with the slow way.