Have you ever BEEN to a conference?
<One reason why I never liked the Mars Society is my perceived view of them as a cult of personality. If Zubrin says it, it must be so. Questions about his designs and engineering assumptions are not allowed.
Yeah, right.
Pascal's factionation aside, the Mars Society is far from monolithic and worshipful. Personally, I don't agree with most of his terrestrial politics but with respect to Mars, he keeps his eye on the ball. Also, I've heard more criticism of key aspects of Mars Direct at MS conferences than anywhere else.
The one next year is in Eugene, Oregon. Come check it out.