"Put that way, what are the parameters of an appropriate technology?"
Ultimately what it comes down to is using technology appropriate for each individual community's needs.
As such, hot plates can be considered an appropriate technology.
New ships simply became available when the appropriate technology was researched to create them.
That was all the proof I needed about the technology appropriate for some.
I would like to echo your comments about the need for appropriate technology.
I'm a big fan of appropriate technologies, as you know.
In any age, subsistence equipment is usually small scale, appropriate technology.
To educate people on basic and appropriate technologies for their total human development.
The development of appropriate technology can raise a farm's productivity.