Any change carries risk and reward. Every change has a price to implement. Adding a hint to a SQL statement is less expensive than a server upgrade or purchasing solid state storage. This diagram attempts to convey these factors in a picture.
!["]("https://community.idera.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-discussions-components-files/253/Oracle-Tuning-Risk-Reward-and-Cost.png")
Any change carries risk and reward. Every change has a price to implement. Adding a hint to a SQL statement is less expensive than a server upgrade or purchasing solid state storage. This diagram attempts to convey these factors in a picture.