"It'd be foolish to upgrade from DV to AVCHD and expect your older Core 2 processor to keep up"
Well of course. But if you've spent a few grand on a new computer, and then almost a grand on Adobe software, and a few grand on Autocad software... then the boss can quite rightly say Make It Work! We are NOT spending any more on upgrades, extra hardware, not even a new chair for a couple of years.
So when a client has a multicam project, or a promotional animation, and theres some sticky point that pushes your computer to the limit, a workaround is the sensible and only solution.
I wish we all had unlimited funds to just throw money at every problem.