Insightful article on Java Generics from Ken Arnold.  I like the idea of a "complexity budget".  I have certainly been involved with projects where I wish the design complexity could have been quantified and budgeted.  As far as generics go, my own view is that there are a limited number of use cases for writing generic code.  Generics may possibly help simplify some complex design pattern implementations.  I can only see, at least for now, a limited number of common patterns expressed generically.  Trying too hard to leverage a "one size fits all" approach to programming will lead to the production of more complex and sloppier code.  To developers who are considering using generics - please use sparingly!