Is there a name for a seemingly-suboptimal behavior that in fact has hidden benefits?

[LinusK]

For example: someone who spends lavishly on friends when flush, only to go cup-in-hand when he’s broke.

Seemingly suboptimal: he wouldn’t have to go begging if he’d saved when he was flush.
Hidden benefit: liable to have more friends than a skinflint.

[yabob]

intangible benefits

[chappachula]

ummmmm…how about:
“going on a date” ?
It costs money and time…( but the benefits may come later.)

(on edit…oops, I didn’t realize this was GQ. sorry. )

[Elmer_J.Fudd]

Silver lining.

[moriah]

Hidden benefits.