Why would you go to the hassle of an active splitter at 1.7 GHz. when it is
not necessary? Remember, a good engineer can build a bridge that will stand
up to maximum design loads plus safety factor. An EXCELLENT engineer can
build a bridge that will stand up to maximum design loads plus safety factor
JUST BARELY.

Oh what the heck!!!
Let's make this real world...
A good engineer can build a levy that will stand up to a Level 5
hurricane plus safety factor. An EXCELLENT engineer can build a levy
that will stand up to a Level 5 hurricane plus safety factor JUST BARELY.

And let's add the corillary... for tens of billions of dollars less.