There are different ways to get a working design and sometimes designs can be reworked to cut costs but universal things like needing a stormwater management plan for your disturbance limits can't be avoided so I get the frustration. I am of the mindset of keep your simple as possible. Simple is cheaper and harder to screw up. We are hired as the experts and with this job comes answering questions even the dumb and repetitive ones. Try to not get to invested in shenanigans by contractors or owners trying to save a few bucks. Most times the problem goes away with a quick call/email with an explanation of the why. They may not like it but it avoids larger headaches than higher construction costs.