[avidphantasm]

Not all technical debt is the same. Some things may be more aesthetic in nature. Other things more serious. Even for these more substantive problems, technical debt can usually be ignored, for a while at least. Then when it can’t, major problems can arise. This strikes me as similar to insecure code. It’s not a problem until it is a problem, then it’s a big deal. But it can be difficult to quantify the costs-benefits of dealing with technical debt before it is too late.

[EarthLaunch]

That reminds me of a hidden cost of technical debt: Who wants to work for you. Technical debt is not just unpleasant, it's a signal of desperation or shortsightedness.