The "backend" would have been a perfect problem to be solved by Google's Cloud Functions (i.e. serverless), rather than a Kubernetes cluster with Node and nginx.

If you are processing at high volume, it might be cheaper to run a cluster rather than use Cloud Functions

The answer to why most things are done is... Money !

Even living in a different part of London (Wimbledon), we have the benefits of reusing the equipment. 200 tonnes of sand and the nets from the beach volleyball event were used to make two new beach volleyball courts in Wimbledon Park which are used all the time.

This is me. I had LASIK in a highly rated surgery in London about 18 months ago where the care and after care was exceptional. I had halos for about 1 month after, but that was it. My eyes were dry for a week or two, but again they soon went back to normal (I recommend Blink drops - amazing). I was left with 20/12 vision and couldn't recommend having it done more.

Please could you share the name of the London clinic?

Sure - it was https://www.londonvisionclinic.com/

My Mum and sister both had Lasik here as well (again, no problems at all) and I couldn't recommend them more.