Let’s start with an assertion: Suicidal bidding in construction is not consistent with fair trade and is not in the best interests of the consumer, the client, the industry or the long-term prosperity of the nation.

It’s a view. It has merit, particularly in the eyes of those who witnessed the previous recession.

And it is not unreasonable to draw parallels in the economics of dumping. Consumers appear to gain in the short term, but the broadly held view it is damaging in the long run.

But if you accept the view that suicidal bidding does more harm than good, you are confronted with two rather tricky questions.