Yes, as you and Larry both note, it would take far more additional fuel than the shuttle could ever carry to reduce its momentum to the point where aerodynamic braking (and heat shielding) would not be required, so our slightly different perspectives on this issue are essentially moot points.

Additionally, the fact remains that any rocket consumes the greater part of its energy simply lifting its own weight, and most of this energy is consumed near the bottom of the gravity well, so if you were to add more fuel for re-entry, that would require a vastly more powerful launch vehicle because of this relationship.

It is for this reason that I support the concept of air-launch using conventional air-breathing jet aircraft to hoist the stack out of the bottom of the gravity well, thus bypassing that portion of the rocket's flight where most of its fuel is consumed.

Thanks for your comments.
sp