Comment by LorenPechtel

For clear, fixed assets this is a quite reasonable approach, although in some categories the depreciation rate isn't an accurate model of reality.

The problem is those of us who deal with code only rarely are actually just building a vehicle. It's an ongoing activity that more resembles maintenance than the outright purchase of an asset.

Look at how much software is going to a subscription model. That only makes sense if there is ongoing improvement to the software.