The innovator.
I see what you mean.
But lets see it like this...
I am testing a game, just going for a quick go through the level.
But also i am playing it for looking at the details, level design etc...
Finally i get in a room, and i noticed this ashtray on a table.
When i get closer i see that this model is very "detailed".
But when i think by myself, i started to wonder...
"Wow, why is this model so high poly? I mean look at the size,
who wants to risk their framerate for such a small model?"
You see what i mean?
I am not saying, "Model some low-poly or else!"
I am just telling my point of view.
And that it would be easy to make a low-poly model with the same "looks".
Quote: "ashtray that had 250 tris and a water tower that had 250 tris would you not use the ashtray "
I would go for the water-tower.
Since an ashtray is so small that it wouldnt even be noticed.
Low-poly doesnt mean that it has to be ugly.
But i can tell you...
when we both make a test level, you with your custom media.
And i will do the same with my custom media.
Lets just say....hmmmm a simple living room as theme.
I know for sure that my test level would run better then yours.
Since all your small models are untill now up to 250.
Then i would like to know how much tris a chair is when you model it.
So that means when you place all your models in 1 room..
(with all i mean: basic furniture, so not overdoing)
the framerate would drop down to 15 or so.
But you must do what you like.
I am not saying stop making high-poly models.
And also, i am not saying that they look ugly.
Cheers,
Cheese Cake.