According to Sibley's and Petroski's analysis of the pattern, that means it is likely to be conservatively designed and possibly even overbuilt. It should be capable of withstanding whatever humans and nature throw at it. Not so its yet unbuilt younger siblings. By the time the century turns, engineers will probably design a cable-stayed bridge using cheaper, lighter, more elegant parts that ends with a splash landing. It's an expression of a very human problem, and certainly not one limited to engineers.
Familiarity can breed stupidity.