First of all, you can rate it however you want, but "not 5 start" isn't equal to underwhelming. I at least wish to see 5 to design, because you are saying that my design decision is led to your lowered graphics score.
Anyway, about costs. It isn't always right to just spend money on everything and hope that your people would like you for that. So. sometimes the cheapes choice is the best (less is more again). This isn't mistake, but ethical idea behind the game.