Well, if they do the calculator, they will get a good idea about cost, and if that is doable for them, and their student is improving in rigorous courses over the years and has a Very Strong service record in ECs, I think EDing is worth it. If they don’t get the expected FA then they can say it was not what the calculator said….I didn’t know this, so did not have my D do ED anywhere…would have had her do EA, but she just wasn’t ready in time.
Anyhow, if you don’t do a reach for ED, but a school you are sure to get into, then you will never know if you would have gotten into the reach!