Unfortunately, NASA’s own craft were worse penny-pinched and mismanaged. Remember, if SpaceX screws up intentionally, they can be sued and individuals can be held responsible. NASA screwed up and killed two crews through stupidity and about nobody got fired.
Gah. “Diversity” is the most important thing to one of the Astronauts going up on next mission. That’s what he said...
Made me want to barf.
Shuttle was no doubt a riskier design. A masterpiece in some respects but overly complex in others. Built to too many requirements. Beautiful when it worked. I wouldnt say penny-pinched, but some management issues related to the incidents for sure.