I think it comes down to politics
There are a few hundred politico's in Washington who would love to turn any good tragidy that comes along into name recognition for themselves. They thrive on creating contorversy and then exploiting it for political gain. A lost shuttle is a great grandstanding opportunity for the average politician who can think of nothing better than getting him or herself re-elected...NASA and the other bureaucracies must survive in that horrific environment.
Big Government. Go figure.
Scott Evil