Tanks, during engagement, often have a life expectation measured in minutes. You need every advantage available in order to survive. While the technical discussion here might have some merit, it is academic. I'm not a degreed technologist, I can't compete with that discussion. My practical experience comes from over 35 years in the Corps.
By all means, keep discussing welds, gun tape, bailing wire and other ways of cheaping out during peacetime. I've stated my feelings and will leave the more academic side of the discussion to you guys. Just make sure, when the balloon goes up, your crews have every advantage available to them to survive in a hostile environment. Keep the old tired stuff at the school for training and weld it up to your hearts content.