It would have been worth it, though.
It reminds me of the movie (a classic from the sci-fi genre, whose name escapes me now but I will undoubtedly remember 30 seconds after I post this) where a government has computers which keep continual track of the cost of apprehending fugitives, and the robot policemen instantly stop a pursuit when the cost becomes too high.
Sadly, this will give tremendous comfort and instill new enthusiasm in the Left.
"sigh"