On the other hand, this is rather a low cost solution
3 resistors, a capacitor and a transistor instead of a $0.66 chip. Ok, say you use the milkpail 1233, that will be the same as the transistor in insertion cost. Then we have $0.66 - (cost of transistor) + (insertion cost for 4 2 term components @ $0.10 each) + (cost of 3 resistors and a capacitor).

WHERE ARE THE SAVINGS?

Erik