We were destined to make at least one pass for each planet. Had to happen. Now that it's done, your reasoning can kick in.
I couldn't agree more regarding colonizing other planets. Their habitability is squat compared to the Earth we've been born and bred to. And there's no way to make a self-sufficient colony

There seems to be two sexy topics which will drive our efforts at space exploration. The first is whether life exists elsewhere, and the second is the possibility of terraforming somewhere else. That it can't be done, that it's a foolish thought will not stop the speculation.

Life elsewhere in the Solar System, at least at one time, seems to be as sure a bet as is possible. How advanced it ever got to be will depend upon the time available to it. As far as we can tell it will have to be DNA - RNA based.

I think that there will be one more big push into space, one on the order of Apollo. That will settle the "life" questions, and then things will settle down.

Mankind could then tackle nuclear fusion and global warming, putting it's money and efforts into that which demands more immediate attention. Space stations and shuttles are interesting, but I know of nothing repeat nothing significant which has flowed from those expenditures. I truly believe folks will see there is more here which has to be done before we have the money to spend on that which doesn't have a definable, immediate return.

Good post. Thanks.