> There are large _fixed_ per-part, per-board costs.  For each variety of par=
> t=20
> you use, there are stocking fees depending on the volume, mass and quantity=
> =20
> of the part used.

The SPI port will use the same type of header pins as used for jumpers, yes?
As I recall, there will be a jumper or switch to write protect the PROM.
If that uses the same type of header pins as the SPI, you avoid having
an additional type of part.  At this point additional pins do not add
a new part type.  Pins only require a shorts and opens test, and can be
automatically tested, assuming a bed-of-nails type fixture.  With a
card edge fixture, you'd need a cable plugged into the pins.

Switches, whether DIP or the hex type with up and down buttons, are more
user friendly, and someone posted that the prices are lower than for pins.
But it may well be that the testing costs for switches outweighs the parts
cost.  And a switch can't be used for the SPI port, so that is an additional
type of part.

> (esp. for hand-assembled through-hole parts)

They haven't figured out how to machine assemble pins yet?  And also haven't
come up with surface mount pins?

>  in any case you have to _pay_ someone to make sure=
> =20
> that the settings are correct for factory defaults before shipping the boar=
> d. =20
> Same for jumpers.

Whoever installs the board in a computer is responsible for verifying the
correct settings of jumpers/switches for their application.  For the jumper
case, just make the factory default be no jumpers installed.

> We're not talking about mark-up to make back money spent in R&D here.

I was, the 5x figure includes everything, even the CEO's yacht.
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