I think that's the main problem with current space efforts
"The vehicle would be built as light as simple as possible with nothing thrown away. Refuel it, preflight it, and fly."
We are never going to have a viable and expansive space program with flimsy throw away hardware. Infrastructure ,by its very nature, has to be robust and durable. It must be able to last for a long time and be used time and time again. If we keep throwing everything away after 1 or 2 uses, then nothing will ever get built on a permanent bases. Flags and Footprints will be all we ever have.
The Eagles are not gossamer constructs, but real vehicles designed for heavy work. They are also designed for years of use.