Well, I guess if you won't recognize the distinction, and insist on conflating the two, then it is unlikely that you'll get my disagreement.

The VSE would enable the things Paul Spudis and many others talk about, such as a space-faring and not just space-visiting.

The ESAS would enable a NASA trip to the Moon, but really nothing else. It would certainly not make us space-faring, but rather enable a continuation of space-visiting.

This is not just some guy spouting off. There is a lot of good literature on the subject, and if you care to avail yourself of some of it I suggest visiting the Lunar Library at:
http://www.outofthecradle.net/categories/lunar-library/
especially the Moonbase:
http://www.outofthecradle.net/categories/lunar-library/moonbases/
and the Selenology wings:
http://www.outofthecradle.net/categories/lunar-library/selenology/

Paul's got tons of research on his side. As a detractor, what do you offer in support of your assertion that Paul's article is fantasy?