Adam,
Great point. This resounds with a much louder truth when you consider that the reality of expansion is that it usually ends up being 10x bigger than the wildest dreams of the person who is doing the original development. If you think this way, your apps, and database server, will have use well into the future, instead of being re-architected and redesigned later (with you being cursed for designing it poorly).
Of course, you are limited by your budget. Even if you need to use P90 handmedowns (for the extra boxes your boss won't buy) right now to architect it right, when expansion time comes, your app, and budget will be ready to grow the system. Do it right the first time and leave a mark!
I didn't post this to the list because it is sort of off the thread and I don't believe that Oleg wants to hear that he is doing things the dangerous way.
thx,
Neil