Review Pimoroni Tiny 2040 Review: A Smaller Raspberry Pi Pico

"but there is always a premium for compact design. " - the same components on a smaller board should cost less. Unless you really need that processing power, there are way cheaper alternatives
 
Haven't you ever paid a "convenience fee" for something you wanted in a smaller package? You can get a 2 liter bottle of Pepsi for around $1.50, but pay $1.79 for a cold 20 oz. bottle. Granted, it is cold, so there is cost of goods sold...