interesting you noticed they are trying to reduce the material in the sidewalls to save on weight. I'm sure they have some engineering software program, FEA (finite element analysis) etc. that will show them the results of removing material. Hopefully they do some real world testing too.
I designed the riser on a compound bow for a professional archer with the same goal...make it lighter but keep the strength. It can be done but there can be consequences too. From what you described, their engineers are probably just as busy. kudos for noticing the poor housekeeping. It says a lot about the culture.