re: why the Moon and the other things
It's true many (even among the pro-space communities) question the human presence in earth orbit. They also question humans on the Moon and there will be questions about humans on Mars.
OTOH, how about abandoning the human presence in space?
This can also be possible.
But is it acceptable?
Perhaps more in 2003 than in 1986 or 1972.
Raoul