It may seem that way, but no I've crossed that chasm long ago. I've debugged on production more than I would ever care to remember. But in all honesty it is easier than ever to stay completely off of production. It's also extremely cost effective. It's not simple and it is work, but it has never been easier to actually be successful at staying off if production.
Easier then ever maybe but still probably impossible to avoid. It's not that anyone wants to mess up with live, it's more like you don't have a choice.
