Optimization

Optimization is not a cold and heartless thing. It is making life easier and smoother.

When does optimization not require experimentation? Seems like there would be a time..

A Metaphor

Optimizing your breathing is removing blockages so you can breathe freely to get more oxygen. It is not making you breathe faster so you can get more oxygen.

Maybe there needs to be another word for optimization that feels less like incessant pushing and more like clearing obstructions and lubricating channels.

Counter-argument

Alternatively, inspired by a point brought up by Carmen Augustine, when sub-optimization is an object of blame, it can also be a facade to deflect from other forms of ineffectiveness. Seeing as optimization can apply to any form of effectiveness, this is not a problem of the concept itself. Rather it is natural to have a tendency to more easily accept external sources of blame ( Self-serving bias).