For something that's going to annoy you daily for the next 10+ years? I'd definitely pay $10. I'd pay another $10 for the dishwasher to remember the program selection instead of always offering the 4+ hours eco program (which I believe is required by some regulation to be the default).
I already paid $100 more for 2dB less, according to the spec. No regrets.
I'd say it depends on how long it takes to boot up. Fortunately, my dishwasher boots up instantly. If it takes a few seconds, sure it's annoying, but you can work around that. Say press the on button, then check the detergent is in place, etc, then press start. If it's some ridiculous length, like several minutes, I'd probably only buy that crap at a steep discount.
> which I believe is required by some regulation to be the default
Huh. This must be recent-ish. My parents' dishwasher has a rotary button to choose the program, which stays put as long as the little grandchildren don't mess with it..
> From 1 March 2021, household dishwashers shall provide an eco programme meeting the following requirements:
> (a) this programme shall be: [...] set as the default programme for household dishwashers equipped with automatic programme selection or any function maintaining the selection of a programme, or, if there is no automatic programme selection, available for direct selection without the need for any other selection such as a specific temperature or load;
Ours was bought in late 2020, but manufacturers probably take a head start with implementation whenever they renew their models.
I already paid $100 more for 2dB less, according to the spec. No regrets.