All too true. I've done an engineering type degree and my Pa was an engine designer. When an engine is just about to go t*ts up, it always seems to be running better than ever. Two stroke petrols deliver most power when just so weak they're about to seize. My Land Rover (recent toy) gets really nicely blippy on the throttle when it's about to run out of fuel (must re-time the injector pump).
Never underestimate the power of the buggers to bite you on the arse.
It 'can' be argued that twice the possibilities, four times the problems.