You’re hanging yourself on a pyrrhic cross. If I can consistently measure a consistent given output of energy for a given quantity of input, I can figure the cost. It’s done all the time without figuring reaction rates. That’s all I’m looking for out of LENR or any energy technology - consistent and measurable output for a consistent and measurable input.
But you could accurately calculate the energy output and input costs if needed. You may not need to do it, but someone does for a process to be economically viable (How would you know what to order, or determine a fair price?). You can't do it for the ecat or anything else claiming cold fusion or LENR.