Will a compressor run without freon?

One of my tech contacts at Dometic told me the cost to install a Low Pressure switch in manufacturing is around $.50. We have had lengthy conversations about that and never could rationalize why they wouldn't do it. In the days before digital controls, some units did have both low and high pressure switches and were installed with the common lead to the compressor going through the switches so if there was a fault, the switch would open and remove power to the compressor. The marine units hat Dometic builds now have high pressure protection, but still after all these years, no low pressure switches. I suppose they figure the HP switch will protect the unit in the event of a loss of cooling water, but the owner would have enough sense to turn it off and call for service in the event it stopped cooling. So far, that theory has proven to be flawed.
Maybe the company was looking out for us repair facilities, because I make a lot of money off of people who continue to let them run after they quit cooling, thinking that anything is better than nothing or that maybe the unit was going to miraculously heal itself and start cooling again. At any rate, most owners do not listen, so keep 'em running guys.. I need the $$$.