And with LASIK, it's even better....
Point being; what's available now, wisdom and technology, improves not only the abilities at this poing in time but also the ability to scrutinize decisions made in the past. Decisions made while reaching into the dark with a candle, compared to today's halogen maglight.
Replace "a horrible waste of time and treasure." with "politically hobbled and unoptimal endeavours into space." and we agree.