Re: Radical rethinks
Such launches might be viable for Single-Stage-To-Orbit, but not for something like the Shuttle, which routinely drops gigantic metal solid boosters downrange, and in an abort situation, would drop the External Tank downrange. The boosters are theoretically reusable, and need to be dropped in water.
The original Shuttle idea, with its winged reusable booster, could theoretically have been launched safely almost anywhere with reasonable precautions.