Ive noticed that too, you can very easily change that in the files but i get your point. What i usually do to not break immersion is adding the option to change it or directly switch it relatively late in the focus tree by adding a line to the code.

Usually i go hardline elite as the reformers, even being ruthless in the beginning to speed up the conversion process wich makes manpower hard to handle plus a few other mechanics wich keep the whole struggle tough and intresting.

Therefore using a good industry doesnt feel like cheating since the other aspects in territory defense and expansion are way more important than simply building up infrastructure and arms factories to flood your army with equipment since youll still be outnumbered by most bigger factions by atleast 3:1.