Apparently you exercises didn't include looking at the delta v to reach the Moon and Mars. The fact that it is easy to lift off the Moon compared To Earth is irrelevant when there is no significant total delta V savings in doing so on the way to Mars. The lack of resources on the Moon compared to Mars for making return fuel is also a significant factor. That lack is both in availability and ease of processing. It doesn't make engineering sense or political sense given the long term failure of that approach.

The essence of stupidity is to try the same failed method over and over without change. If you want to keep waiting decades to leave LEO keep promoting returning to the Moon as our next step and building a base there to support a mission to Mars. The cost of that approach will sink it every time. Mars has the resources we need to establish a permanent presence off Earth not the Moon. The sooner we get there the sooner we stay in space.

Regards,
Mark