"We've been able to accomplish a lot very efficiently and very effectively to this point, " Bower said, in reference to the approximately 80 people who created the device.

ENGADGET: Wikipad CEO James Bower defends his gaming tablet's $500 pricing, why one device beats two

Different organizations, ranging from the Bowles-Simpson Fiscal Commission to the House Budget Committee, have considered this current policy baseline to be the appropriate reference point, since it measures changes relative to the status quo, rather than the mix of expiring provisions and policy changes that would likely never be implemented.

WHITEHOUSE: American Taxpayer Relief Act Reduces Deficits by $737 Billion | The White House