it's an Opex vs Capex thing. We keep getting sold "new and bigger/better" things in science, but what value are they, if down the line their operating budgetis cut and some of the promised new discoveries never get made?

It's a tricky question. At some point an instrument becomes obsolete, and should be passed on to a museum, or for amateur use. But I have issues with good science instruments and people being thrown aside in favour of the latest glitzy new thing.

Maybe the construction budget for new scopes should incude a 30-year operating budget?

maybe space missions should include more than a nominal operating budget, too?