Re: The advantage of cross range capability for a lifeboat...
c'mon.
Reality check...
each orbit costs you 90 minutes.
Most orbits have re-entry opportunities that bring emergency help - helo's + skilled paramedics - within 1- 2 hours, if you know the target site in advance.
The delay in de-orbit of 2-3 orbits is enough to kill a critical casualty. If they survive de-orbit, they are as safe in 1g as in LEO, and the time-to-rescue has a similar expected value.