Yes, but if the cost reduction and speed improvement is enough it can still be worthwhile. "A good answer now is better than a perfect answer next week" and so forth. It doesn't take a doctorate in physics to know that an initially stationary, unsupported rock less than ten meters above the earth's surface will hit that surface within the next second or two.

For that matter, consider some sort of craftsmanship where masters traditionally employ apprentices. The apprentice can't do master-level work (yet) but is still in training, and can improve the master's performance by performing necessary menial tasks and allowing the boss to concentrate on things that demand mastery.