re: Building Straw People?
I think it's you who haven't been paying any attention and just now realize you were wrong and instead of apologizing you bluster.
Try doing a search on Zubrin and Moonbase at www.space.com. He did a three part op-ed on the subject.
My point is that any "economical" means to create a spacefaring society by use of Lunar resources should primarily be supported by industry not NASA (AKA the government). I must admit to seeing a very limited role for government in creating infrastructure, but think a person could reasonably argue they have already done that.
I'm also not opposed to prizes funded by the government or nonprofits (AKA rich guys) to foster cheaper assess or missions of importance.