If we can agree that "strapped for cash" also includes "not stupid with cash", I think we're on the same page here. :)

(For all I know they are strapped for cash, to be clear; I just don't think the quote says that.)

Going with a last resort implies more than "not stupid".

Okay, fine: "conservative with cash" or even "tight with spending"?

(I'm not sure how much deeper HN threads can nest.)

"Tight" gets pretty close to "strapped", especially when it comes to making a change.

(They can go super deep if people are committed.)

I concede.

(Haha, ok, let's call a truce here before we break HN! Appreciate the conversation.)