But my point again, since WE aren't going to the stars, what does it matter if the exploration is done by intelligent machines?

My word it does. I care that it's my species, humanity, that does it. Even in a genetically- or cyber-modified form. I don't want it limited to machines only.

Did you avert your eyes from the images sent back from Mars and the Jovian worlds just because they were taken by robots?

Of course I didn't. These expeditions are terrific, and are best we can do for now. They are also substitutes for the real thing.

(BTW If I wanted to be as provocative as you, I could ask: Do you not wish humans to go to Mars? .. I know that's a silly question - as silly as yours above.)

And in the coming years when we are ready for interstellar travel, I expect the lines between human and machine to be blurred, if not outright gone by then.

and like I keep saying, also keep in mind genetic engineering for longevity and adaptation to strange or restrictive environments.