A B777 pilot expressed concern that the new policy of not having flight crews check tire pressures during walk around could lead to serious problems.

Narrative

777 pilots were recently informed to not do a tire pressure check on the walk around. We were told that management felt we were writing up the low pressures in order to slow the operation. I've written up tire pressures well over a dozen times; I have never done my duty in order to slow the operation; I've done so because it was not only my duty; but in the interest of safety. The astute Relief Pilot doing the walk around for our flight noticed a tire pressure at 150PSI that should be over 200PSI. Despite being told this isn't within our job description any more; we wrote it up and informed maintenance. They not only had to change out the tire; but the paired tire due to the strain of being next to one that was that low. Our concern over safety prompted us to ask if we are not to make this check; why it hadn't been done. The answer was it isn't required with every leg. In addition to not wanting a delay from the pilots for tire pressure; we're told the gauges will be removed to save money. So how much time will it take for a mechanic to put a gauge to each tire? Will it be done every segment?