Viper1 on 26 March 2008
Hitting that first wall happens the first day of programming for the very first game for that system. What can't be done by Developer A today is done by Developer B tomorrow. Basically your first example is a moot point since it's valid instantly.
There is no arbitrary cut off point that dictates when optimization is required for the simple fact that everything gets optimized in some fashion.
Your second point is closer but again, Developer A today vs Developer B tomorrow; the maximum point moves on.
The rEVOLution is not being televised
