Originally Posted by
Centaurus
The above argument would suggest having a reverse thrust system at all is a very expensive exercise in poor cost effectiveness. Why haven't the manufacturers realized this and built their aircraft without reverse thrust? Save millions of $$$ in maintenance costs. OK - reverse might be handy on slippery runways when wheel braking efficiency is reduced but it could be cost effective to accept that risk.
All true and revisited years ago in regulatory discussions.
In the end there was a realization that there was a money making business to offer the pilots what they wanted