I actually am ok with placeholders, its sort of like "stubbing out" code but that's probably not helpful for you in any case. I do it, its a great way to get sections done in such a way to progress a project. Not saying there aren't costs but costs are ok if you can account for them via the benefits. I doubt you're interested in that discussion though, right?

I would be really interested in hearing more from your counterparts about their plans. I don't have that great interest in "sargability" posts and the like that you're seeing here because honestly anybody should be able to read on that, even your counterpart / associates. I'm interested in what your counterparts are doing, but you are sort of coloring the discussion in such a way that I think you'd be better served by just going with the "choir" you are "preaching" to and in any case you aren't obliged to serve my curiosity and that's cool!

I like what your counterpart said to you to be honest, and I'd like to hear more, but I think your posts indicate that you aren't in the mood and this isn't what you're after in this thread so for my part I'll have to let it go at that.

I will say this however, you're implying that you'll get "thrown under the bus" even when documenting your contrary indications to their plans, so can we at least be honest on this one, ie., that it isn't a technical issue? If you think you'll get adversely affected despite your best efforts isn't that really the heart of the issue?

I'd love to play devils advocate and examine your initial "list".  In particular I disliked your "ACID" line item and thought it plain that it did not apply. But in explaining my thoughts I'd probably just be typing gratuitiously LOL when in reality I don't think the issue is technical at all and in any case there's plenty of other posters who can make you feel better on this one so there's that.