[EricVanWyk]

I see learning lower level languages (such as assembly) as the CompE equivalent of taking a Design for Manufacture course.

DFM teaches MechEs how to design things so it is easier for the manufacturing engineers. Learning assembly teaches CompEs how to write things so it is more efficient once it is compiled.

DFM is a necessity for any ME who intends to mass produce her work. Learning a low level programming language is a necessity for any CE who intends to mas produce his work.

For research and one offs, it is completely superfluous to cost optimize. Cost optimization is a very important skill for a large fraction of engineers, but it is not necessary for 100 percent of engineers, and it is not necessary to start with it.